It is with great sadness that the family of JAMES E STRAUB announce his passing August 9, 2021 at the age of 91. He was born December 17, 1929 in Carlinville Illinois the son of Elmer and Temperance Godbey Straub.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Lorna Kelley Straub, his parents, and sisters Lilas and Sally.
Jim grew up in Carlinville, and was the owner of Straub Bros, a trucking company started by his father, Elmer and Uncle, Otto in 1929. While living in Carlinville he was active in Boy Scouting attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, serving as scoutmaster for Troop 64 for 21 years. He served on the Abraham Lincoln Council Executive Board and received the Silver Beaver Award. He was the youngest scoutmaster at the 1953 National Jamboree. He was an active member of Zion Lutheran church serving as President and Secretary of the Voter’s Assembly. He held various offices in the Carlinville Junior Chamber of Commerce and was voted Outstanding Man of the Year. He also served on the Executive Board and was president of the Carlinville Chamber of Commerce and on the Board of Directors of the Farmers and Merchants Bank.
In 1983 he sold the trucking company and moved his family to Englewood Florida, where a new phase of his life began. He became the Senior Boat Captain at Palm Island Resort and piloted Island Harbor #1 for 17 years. He was active in the Englewood US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 87 serving as Public Education Officer and up until the age of 88 was the unofficial groundskeeper at the Auxiliary’s building.
Captain Jim was a kind and gentle person filled with warmth, humor and stories who loved to have an interesting conversation with a good friend or a family member. He enjoyed reading especially westerns and American history, baking, and was a master furniture maker.
He will be forever remembered as loving father to Wendy (Patrick) Weichert of Rutherfordton NC, James Straub of Sarasota FL, William (Tally) Straub of Oklahoma, Mimi Williams (Michael Smith) of New Port Richey Fl, and Christian (Kristin)Straub of Englewood Fl. Proud grandfather of Edie Weichert, James Corbin, Zach Loveless, Jamie Lynn Straub, Hayden Williams, Madison Williams, Ryan Straub, Chloe Straub, Winter Straub, Talon Straub and doting great grandfather of Jax Loveless and Spencer Elizabeth Loveless.
He is also survived by brother-in-law Carl Kelley of Danielsville GA, and sister-in-law Alice Hunt of Mesa AZ, several nieces and nephews, and friends Courtney De Filippis, Natalie Corey, Beth Loveless, and Angie Traylor.
A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 September 25 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Englewood Florida.
The family requests no flowers but ask those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to their favorite charity.
Arrangements were made by Lemon Bay Funeral Home Englewood Florida
Condolences may be left at dignitymemorial.com
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