James "Jim" Irvin, age 55, of Newhope, Arkansas and Gaston, Indiana, died Wednesday, September 1, 2010.
He was born on June 4, 1955, in Wells County, Indiana, the son of Desmon and Phillis Irvin. Jim graduated from Marion High School, Marion, Indiana in 1973 and was employed with Gen Corp Automotive in Marion and Wabash for 30 years. He was a member of the United Steel Workers, Local 466, in Marion, Local 626, in Wabash and the Fisher Body Sympathy Club. A Harley-Davidson enthusiast, he also enjoyed camping, fishing and spending time with his friends, Jimmy Thomas, Les Holt, Phil Hiland and Paul and Rhilda Faircloth. He was a big fan of Arkansas Razorback sports, Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts and New York Yankees.
He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Ruthann Irvin of Newhope; his brother, who was also his best friend, Allen Irvin and his wife, Sue, of Newhope; his son, J. D. Irvin; two daughters, Jamie L. Irvin and Jennifer D. Brooks; his grandchildren, Samantha Mae Irvin, James Cole Shearer and Nicky Oliveria; his daughter-in-law, Barb Oliveria; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Derrill and Annabelle Royal; two brothers-in-law, Mike Vetor and wife, Pam, and Mark Royal and wife, Nikki; two sisters-in-law, Rhonda Sears and husband, Butch, and Rita Royal all of Indiana; his aunts, Eunice Jackson of Newhope, Freda Eldridge and husband, Charles, of Iowa, Oma Zent, Etta Kohlenbeck, Margie Banter and husband, Ralph, Waneda Porter and Lois Irvin all of Indiana; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, James W. Brooks; his father-in-law, Raymond W. Vetor; his sister-in-law, Bobbi Vetor; and a very special friend of 42 years, Doug Baskett.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, September 5, 2010, in the Liberty Cemetery, near Newhope, with Bro. Scott Vaughn officiating. Visitation will be Saturday, 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Glenwood, Arkansas. A memorial service will be held in Indiana at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Adult Mission, Fairmount Wesleyan Church, 304 N. Walnut Street, Fairmount, Indiana, 46928. Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.