James Royce Creek

James R. Creek, 79 of Columbus, OH passed away on April 25, 2016 after succumbing to his epic five year battle with leukemia. A battle he waged with quiet resolve and unyielding optimism until the very end. He was affectionately known to his friends and family as Jim, Jimbo, Jimmy, Creek, Creeker, Grandpa James, Papa and Hey You. Born into a pioneering, agrarian family he had a lifelong love of growing food – saying one hour in the garden is worth two martinis. He loved sharing a good joke and was an avid golfer, fisherman, upland game and waterfowl hunter, outdoorsman, mushroom hunter and woodworker. He was a first class companion around the campfire and in the duck blind. It is believed he holds the record for the largest largemouth “trout” ever caught, interesting that there were no witnesses, but who are we to question. Jim was an excellent cook and baker, a man who enjoyed breakfast and scoffed at left-overs. If you haven’t tried his persimmon pudding or homemade tomato juice – well you haven’t lived. His retirement was full. Jim was born in Liberty, Indiana on February 14, 1937. He was proud of his naval service as a missile-man on the USS Norton Sound, and his involvement in Operation Argus, a classified cold-war mission testing nuclear missiles. He followed his service with a career in the insurance industry, culminating in serving as Chairman of the McElroy Minister Co; developing enduring friendships along the way. Upon retiring from McElroy he said “I’ve tried to do right by my fellow man, and be as honest as I possibly can.” He was a true egalitarian and enjoyed spending time with people from all walks of life. We will all miss his modest ways and generous heart. We wish to thank Sumithira Vasu, MD and her fine team of world class cancer warriors at The James for their dedicated years of service and compassion. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Maggie. He is also survived by three children and two step-children; Leslie (Blase) DeLeo, Jeff Creek, Julie (Greg) Segall, James (Hope) Schrim and Louesa Roebuck. In addition, he had eleven grandchildren that he adored and adored him. In lieu of flowers, Jim requested that you drink a martini or a good single malt scotch in his honor, kiss your kids, laugh, read a good book, throw a dry fly, enjoy life and give something back! Contributions in his honor can be made to the: Evans Scholars Foundation, Once Briar Road, Golf, IL 60029. Memorial Service to be held at Schoedinger Northwest Chapel, 1740 Zollinger Road, Upper Arlington, OH on Saturday, May 7th at 10:30 a.m. Please visit www.schoedinger.com send condolences and share memories.