James "Jim" A. Strong Sr.

Connersville business owner and resident, James “Jim” A. Strong Sr., age 95, finally retired on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Jim always said,” I will retire when Showalter backs across the street and picks me up.” Jim was born to James P. and Catherine Henn Strong on June 18, 1928 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He attended Terrace Park High School. Jim worked long hours at multiple jobs to provide for his family. His hard work paid off in 1969 when he opened his own business, Jim’s Auto & Body Shop Inc. He married the former Helen Fry on March 21, 1992. Jim was a man of faith, and a longtime member of Alquina Church. In addition, he was a member of Willowbrook Country club, the Lions club, and the Eagles lodge in Alquina. Jim was an avid golfer who once had the privilege to play on Arnold Palmer’s golf course. He then received a personally signed autograph from Arnold which reads: to FBM “Fat Body Man”. Jim enjoyed taking trips to Myrtle Beach in the winter and playing euchre with his buddies in the summer. Above all, Jim was a loving grandfather. He adored watching his grandchildren’s activities and did so, up until his death. Jim has proudly served the Connersville community for fifty-five years; his presence will truly be missed. In addition to his wife of thirty-two years Helen, Jim is survived by his children and their spouses: James “Jay” A. Strong Jr., Katheryn “Kaye” Allen, Stephen and Nancy A. Strong, John and Nancy E. Strong, Darryl and Desi Strong, Richard and Judy Strong; step-children: Sharon and Roger Adams, Diana Noelcke, Brenda and Randy McCarrell; ten grandchildren, five step-grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren, ten step-great grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild, five step-great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Jim is preceded into death by his parents James and Catherine; and his first wife: Viola “Vi” Brandenburg Strong; sisters: Mary Louise Emerson and Jenette Strong and brother: Andrew Whittaker. A funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Friday, February 23, 2024, at Showalter Blackwell Long, Myers Chapel, Connersville, with Pastor Rob Judd and Jim’s nephew Pastor Roger Emerson officiating. Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 5:30 p.m., until 8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Alquina Church or the Lions club in Jim’s honor.