

James,or Jim as most knew him, was born August 24, 1936 in Charleroi, Pennsylvania to Oscar Wesley Corwin and Gertrude "Faye" Zundel. His sister, Barbara Carlene Potter passed away at a young age leaving Jim an only child.
He was raised in Southern California and discovered his love of music early in his life. During his time in Whittier High School, he learned to play bass and began lessons on Hawaiian guitar. By the age of 15, he was playing in bands at country themed dance halls in the area. In 1957, he was persuaded to join the Wade Ray Band in Las Vegas, playing the steel guitar downtown on Fremont Street.
After "burnout " set in while playing at the Golden Nugget, he quit and launched a 32 year career with Chevron oil company. One in which he began pumping gas then managing a station. After going back to school to get his business degrees from Santa Ana College and Cal State Fullerton, he moved onto becoming a marketing manager and a retail training specialist. He prided himself in being the one to train the current CEO of Chevron and wasn't afraid to let everyone know about doing so! It was during this time, he met his long life best friend, Tom Toliver. A friend who remained in contact through daily text messages and phone calls until his final days.
In 1981, a job transfer moved him to Las Vegas, NV and then another transfer eventually led to Brea, CA in 1990.
In 1996, he retired from Chevron and moved to Sun City Summerlin where he enjoyed playing golf and was a member of the men's club. He renewed his love of music by playing with the Sun City Suncats Trio. Also, he enjoyed attending Chevron Retirees Association meetings, serving several years as treasurer. Becoming a member of the Las Vegas Jazz Society provided him the opportunity to spend time with fellow musicians and relish in many concerts.
St. Andrews Lutheran Church became his spiritual home and the Rev. Philip Shuart,"Pastor Phil", inspired his faith. After walking with balance issues became a problem in his life and Pastor Phil retired, Jim attended church virtually each Sunday. Savoring the words spoken by Rev. Dr. Mari Larson.
Jim's first marriage produced four children; Jimmy,
Carolyn, Kenny and Bobby. Sadly, both Jimmy and Bobby preceded him in death and he lived with the regret of not being there to nurture Carolyn and Kenny as they grew.
In 1967, he married the love of his life, Ruby Louise, and acquired two more children who became his own. Mike (June) and Kathy. Then together, they had Lisa (Loren). He and Ruby spent 45 remarkable years until her passing in 2012.
There are several grandchildren and great children, two of whom he helped raise. Rochelle (Tim) with children Bryce, Graysen, Aubrey, T.J. and Paisley. And, Tammy who had Juliana, the angel sent to his grieving family after Ruby's passing in 2012 on her birthday.
He loved his family and he loved baseball! Being an avid Dodger fan since attending his first game in 1955 while they still resided Brooklyn, he followed them faithfully...win or lose! If the Dodgers weren't playing, he spent his days glued to his t.v. watching Fox News and supporting President Trump as faithfully as he did the Dodgers! In his own words, "I've lived a good life!"
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