James F. Cable

James “Jim” F. Cable, age 83, passed away peacefully shortly before 1:00PM on Saturday, June 2, surrounded by his loving family. Jim, a devoted husband, is survived by his wife of 60 years, Evelyn Cable, his son Steven (Cheryl) of Parker, Colorado, his daughter Laura (Paul) of Clemmons, North Carolina, and two brothers, David (Rebecca) of Robbinsville, North Carolina, and Dennis (Judy) of Atlanta, Georgia. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law Jimmie Lee and David Burrows and eight grandchildren Amy, Hillary, Daniel, John, Brian (Melissa), Carolyn, Jake and David.

Jim was born in Fontana, North Carolina, on March 18, 1929, and graduated from Fontana High School in 1947. In 1951 he received a bachelor’s degree in Business from Western Carolina University and a master’s degree in Education from George Peabody University the following year. On June 7, 1952 he married his true love, Evelyn Smith, and subsequently joined the U.S. Navy. After a period of training, Jim was transferred to Jacksonville, Florida, and served as a flight simulator instructor for a period of four years. Upon leaving the Navy he accepted a position teaching business courses for a high school located in Baldwin, Florida. After a couple of years in that position he moved his family north to Franklin Grove, Illinois, to become a high school principal. After five years as a high school principle he returned to the classroom in the Joliet School System, Illinois, to teach courses in business, accounting and finance and remained in that position until he retired in 1988. A few years after his retirement he and Evelyn moved to Jacksonville, Florida, and have lived in their home in Mandarin for the past ten years.

Jim had a number of interests including traveling, woodworking, gardening, basket-making, fishing and anything to do with the outdoors - especially if it was located in North Carolina. Also, he was particularly fond of a small group of his high school classmates called the “Dam Kids,” and looked forward each year when he and Evelyn would return to Fontana to reminisce and relive their special time together. Most importantly however, his faithfulness to his family and to his Lord and the Christian faith was indeed exemplary as he attended church consistently every Sunday throughout his adult life. Additionally, he served as a bible teacher at Maple Lawn Christian Church in Joliet, Illinois, and most recently at Christ’s Church in Mandarin. Jim was an active Christian and was always looking for ways to help his church and his fellow man.

A memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life is planned for 11:00AM, Saturday the 9th of June, at the Hardage-Giddens Funeral Homes located at 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, Florida 32223. A reception at the same facility will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made to Christ’s Church or to Christ’s Church Academy.