He graduated from Bosse High School after 3 years and graduated from Indiana University in 3 ½ years with a bachelor degree in business. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. In 1951, he married Joan G. Strupp. That same year, he was called into service with the Army and served as a Sargent until 1953. He served during the Korean War, protecting the borders in Germany from the Russian Army. Jim was always a hard worker; beginning at age nine, he sold donuts door to door. He owned two major wholesale distributors in Evansville: United Exterior Products and All Weather Products, Inc. as well as other profitable businesses.
Jim was very active in many organizations. He was a member of the Mason’s in Evansville and reached 32nd degree. He was also very active in the Hadi Shrine and generously volunteered his time to the Shrine Circus. He and his wife Joan were members of Salem United Church of Christ where they supported the church in many ways, including adding additions to and remodeling areas in the church and rectory. He and Joan loved dancing, especially square dancing and traveled the country to participate in many competitions. They spent a lot of time in Panama City, FL as “snowbirds”. They had a very active social life there and attended St. Andrew’s Baptist Church. When she passed away in 1999 after 48 years of marriage, James moved to Panama City full time. He remarried Norma Brookins in 2001. They were happily married for 17 years and were very active, including traveling with their church outreach missions. Jim volunteered at Bay Medical Hospital. He received a commendation from President Obama for his 19, 000 hours of service.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Gayle in 1999; son, James Edward in 1982, and second wife, Norma Brookins in 2017.
James is survived by children, Kym Dyer (Robert), Terri Grant (Ric), Robin Whipkey and Beth Best; 10 grandchildren, Andrea, Lauren, Britt, Amanda, Kelli, AJ ,Sarah, Corbin, Danielle and Mitchell; 11 great-grandchildren, and step-son, Gary Brookins (Janet).
A Masonic Memorial Service will be conducted by Reed Lodge #316 at 11:30 a.m., Saturday November 16, 2019 at Alexander North Chapel. A Funeral Service will be 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Salem Church Cemetery. Friends may visit 11:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 3551 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140.
