Service:
Blenheim United Church
Thursday September 10, 2015
11:00 a.m.
Visitation:
Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Wednesday September 9, 2015
2:00 - 4:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Peacefully, and surrounded by family, James (Jim) Franklin Eberle passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2015 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance following a courageous battle with cancer. Jim was born on August 5, 1938 at the family farm in Palmyra to the late Orva and Frances (McMillan) Eberle. He is survived by Glenda (Dickson), his cherished wife of 53 years, children Bob (Barb) Eberle of Blenheim, and Colette (Larry) Drew of Woodstock, and grandchildren Emily and Darren Drew.
Jim is also survived by brothers Peter (Mary) Eberle of Palmyra, Ted (Bonnie) Eberle of Rondeau Park, sisters Ann (Bob) Ellis of Essex, Linda Nesbitt of Cranbrook BC, Joni (John Cardwell) Eberle of Hamilton, Bobbi Plumridge of Palmyra, mother-in-law Bernice Bowyer, sister-in-law Darlene (late Bob) Coatsworth, brother-in-law Larry (Tina) Dickson, and several nieces and nephews.
Jim graduated from the University of Guelph in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture. He played varsity basketball and received the Dimson trophy for the most valuable player in his senior year. Jim retired in 1994 after teaching for 33 years at Petrolia, Leamington, Essex, and Blenheim High School where he was the Department Head of Science from 1967 until his retirement. Over the years, he coached high school basketball, golf and curling.
He was an avid sportsman, athlete, and musician. He enjoyed being out on the golf course and spent many years involved with both the Blenheim and Ridgetown golf and curling clubs. He played the guitar and bass in The Foursome band and often joined The Pubcrawlers of Chatham.
Jim will be fondly remembered by friends and family as a kind and generous man who filled his house with music and laughter. He treasured spending time with his grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Pa”.
Jim is resting at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home. Visitation is from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm Wednesday, September 9. The funeral is 11 am Thursday, September 10 at Blenheim United Church. Donations can be made to The Canadian Cancer Society, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Palliative Care, and The Blenheim United Church.
