James “Jim” Clubine, age 84, of North Manchester, passed away Wednesday, December 26, 2018 at the Parkview Wabash Hospital, Wabash, Indiana.
Jim was born December 25, 1934 in Kirksville, Missouri, the son of the late Harry and Mamie (Billington) Clubine.
Jim grew up on his parents’ farm in Kirksville, Missouri. He joined the Army after high school and was a veteran of the Korean War. After the military, he settled down and married. That union brought forth four sons. Later in life, Jim met Norma and her three daughters. They were married on February 17. 1973. They worked at raising a blended family the best that they could.
Jim believed in hard work and was very committed to his career. He worked two full time jobs, until he founded J&M Lawn Service, one of the largest commercial lawn care businesses in Louisville, Kentucky. He was highly respected in Louisville for the quality of work, integrity and work ethics he maintained as a business owner.
Jim and Norma ran the lawn business until they sold it in 1994. They moved to Kirksville, Missouri in order to be closer to family. Jim always found joy and peace being near his loved ones. Jim and Norma lived in Kirksville several years, working in the community and raising cattle. From Missouri, Jim and Norma moved to Spokane Washington in 1997 to be near daughters Melody and Penny and their families.
Jim and Norma finally retired in 2005 and moved to North Manchester, Indiana where their youngest daughter Kandy and family resided. They joined Faith Baptist Church in North Manchester, Indiana, where Jim served as an usher and greeter and maintained the lawn for the church until his health failed. Jim felt very strongly about his “stewardship” for the church and the Lord and tried to set an example by his actions for his family and those who knew him. He always said, “Actions speak louder than words”. He was always willing to give to those in need.
Jim loved all of his children and grandchildren. He had a unique relationship with each of them. Jim enjoyed bowling, fishing, and deer hunting with his brother, nephews and best friend, Luke Hunt. He was a real sportsman watching any and all sports, however baseball was his passion. He coached Babe Ruth Little League Baseball in his early years and “only” rooted for the New York Yankees!!
Of all of Jim’s accomplishments, he was most proud of the business he founded, his relationship with God, the love of his family and love he had for Norma. He believed the she encouraged him to become a better Christian man, husband, father and friend. His family, friends and all who knew him will sadly miss Jim.
He is survived by his wife, Norma Clubine of N. Manchester, Indiana; sons, Mike Clubine of New York, Tony Clubine of New York, and JR Clubine of Connecticut; daughters, Kandy (Craig) McClure of N. Manchester, Penny Hollars of Spokane, Washington and Melody (David) Coombs of Spokane, Washington; brother, Harry LaVerne Clubine of Greentop, Missouri; and 14 grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a son, Johnny Clubine; a brother, Robert Clubine and a sister, Mary Clubine.
Memorial Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at the Faith Baptist Church, 1303 IN-13, North Manchester, Indiana with Luke Hunt and Pastor Gary Aknight officiating.
Arrangements entrusted to Raven-Choate Funeral Home, 1202 W. Kem Road, Marion, Indiana.
Online condolences may be shared at www.ravenchoate.com