James J. Gabbard age 75 peacefully passed away on Saturday December 5 2009 at his home in Port Orange FL surrounded by his family and friends. Funeral Services will be Tuesday December 8th at 11am at the Lohman Funeral Home in Port Orange Pastor Raymond Sieg officiating. Family and Friends may visit from 10-11 am and the reception to follow. Services will also be held in Seymour IN at Voss & Sons Funeral Home on Saturday December 12th with interment at Fairview Cemetery in Linton IN.
Jim was born in Ousley County Kentucky. His family moved to Ohio then to Indiana where he graduated from Versailles High School in 1954. As a high school basketball star he was later inducted into the 2005 Ripley County High School Basketball Hall of Fame. As a graduate from Franklin College in Indiana Jim began his 39 years of Administrative Education career. He completed his Masters Degrees from both Butler and Ball State Universities while he mentored taught and coached high school levels. He became a Principal and completed his EDS Degree from Indiana University. He then became Superintendent of Medora Community Schools. He received several awards for his accomplishments in education including the Sagamore of Wabash Award which was presented to him by the Governor of Indiana in 2004 (known as the highest educational achievement award in the state). Jim continued his love of sports throughout his life. After retirement he and his wife Charlotte enjoyed their winters in Florida and eventually moved to Port Orange permanently where they became members of Beville Road Church of Christ.
Mr. Gabbard is survived by his wife of 32 years Charlotte his three children: Lisa Wingfield of Parkersburg WV Kenneth Gabbard of Kalamazoo MI and Elizabeth Colburn of Rockford IL two stepchildren Kenneth Holtsclaw of Bloomfield IN and Charlotte Smith of Vincennes IN two sisters Shirley Halcomb of Versailles IN and Arzella Cruncleton of Myrtle Beach SC 12 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his parents 9 brothers and sister and daughter Deanna.
Memorial Donations may be made in Jim's memory to the Beville Road Church of Christ Youth Ministry Program 850 Beville Road Daytona Beach FL 32114. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home of Port Orange.
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