CLINE Mr. James Lawrence “Jim” Cline, Sr. of Hope Hull, formerly of LaGrange, GA, passed away on May 25, 2020 at the age of 89 following a courageous battle with dementia. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
The youngest of four children, he was born April 30, 1931, to Henry Edgar Cline and Myrtle Amos Cline. His father passed away unexpectedly when he was only months old. From those humble beginnings, he learned the importance of hard work. He attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute, which later became Auburn University. There he played football and received a degree in engineering. It was also there that he met the beautiful young Dorothy Davis. They married in 1954 and upon his graduation, he served in the Army Corps of Engineers. His duty sent him, and his new bride to Germany. When they returned to the States, they spent time in Washington, DC , where he worked in the Pentagon, and later in Macon, GA before settling down in Hope Hull, AL. It was then that he began a long dedicated career working with the Social Security Administration, retiring after 38 years in 1993. A long-time member of the Liberty Church of Christ, he served as an Elder and often taught Bible classes. His love for family and church was followed closely by his love of animals. He was known to be the one willing to adopt animals that grew larger or louder than expected, or those that were just in need of a new home for various reasons. He spent much of his spare time raising cattle, gardening, fishing, and spending time with family. He and “Dot” lovingly raised three children teaching them to love Jesus and each other. As grandchildren began to appear, they enjoyed having them come to the farm or visiting at their homes as much as possible. In 2009, Dot passed away leaving a huge void in his life. Even before she passed away, he was diagnosed with early stages of dementia. As the disease progressed and he slowly began to lose his memory, he kept his sharp wit and sense of humor. He loved kidding with people and would crack jokes with the best of them.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Edgar Cline and Myrtle Amos Cline, his loving wife of 53 years, Dorothy Davis Cline, sister, Betty Warren, and brothers, Jack Cline and Gene Cline.
He is survived by his three children and their spouses, James L. Cline, Jr. (Larry) and Linda of Knoxville, TN, Kim and Claudia Cline of Peachtree City, GA, Dana and Jon McCarver of Pelham, AL. Nine grandchildren and their spouses, Jay and Mandy Cline, Dr. Matt and Jamie Cline, Kristy and Josh Brinkley, Dr. J. Kyle and Sarah Cline, Kevin and Heather Cline, Kaitlyn Cline, Dr. Cooper and Brooke Cline, Jordan McCarver, and Austin McCarver. Thirteen great-grandchildren, Ethan Cline, Hailey Cline, Addison Cline, Ashlyn Cline, McKinley Cline, Evan Cline, Benjamin Cline, Ainsley Cline, Luke Cline, JJ Brinkley, Anniston Cline, Emery Cline, and Hannah Cline, as well as several nieces and nephews. Our family would like to thank two very special “family members” who loved and cared for our Dad as his journey ended, Aunita Keith-Freeman and Bonita “Necy” Smiley.
Due to the current CDC guidelines, the family has chosen to honor our “Papa Jim” with a private family service. A celebration of life will take place at a later date when we can all be together. Hug each other and celebrate the life of this very special man.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to his favorite ministry: Mount Dora Children’s Home, 301 West 13th Avenue, Mount Dora, FL 32757.
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