James Larry Driggs

Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home

28 Harding Avenue

Jackson, OH 45640

740-286-2010

www.lewisgillum.com

James Larry Driggs, age 77, of McArthur, Ohio passed away Monday, February 11th, 2019 at Adena of Waverly. He was born January 20th, 1942 in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late James G. and Arlene (McMann) Driggs.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Brenda K. (Hillard) Driggs; three sons: Tim (Tammy) Doner, Corey (Deborah) Doner Driggs, and Rob (Amy) Doner; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He graduated from Central High in Cincinnati, Ohio. He enlisted in the Navy and served on the James E. Keyes destroyer in the far east. After his discharge, he worked at Trailmobile in Norwood, Ohio where he held the office of Chief Steward for United Auto Workers. While stationed in Okinawa, Japan Jim took interest in Shorin-ryu Karate, and began training in this style of martial arts after his discharge. Over the years, his enthusiasm and love for Shorin-ryu Karate grew and he became an instructor. Jim owned fifteen dojos (schools) in Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. He was inducted into the WSKF Budo Hall of Honor in 2015 from the hundreds of students, many became black belts and some continued in teaching. He held the office of sales, promotions, and chief director for the World Shorin-Ryu Karate do Federation. Among his many achievements, Jim and his wife, Brenda wrote a book in 1988 on the progress of Shorin-ryu Karate-do, Matsubayashi-ryu, in the United States.

Jim had a love for cars, both building and showing his cars. He won two U.S.A. National Cars Championships in 1976 and 1978-1979. He taught 12th grade body shop in Cincinnati, Ohio. He also owned two boutiques in Hamilton and Oxford, Ohio. He owned a stained-glass shop and taught the art of stained-glass in Cincinnati, Ohio. He held the position of maintenance supervisor for Queen City Racquet Club in Cincinnati, Ohio and for Athens Country Club in Athens, Ohio. He was a Master Mason, 32° Scottish Rites and Shriner, and he played the drum in the color guard. Jim was a member of Elevate Ministries in Jackson, Ohio and most of all, loved the Lord.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 15th, 2019 from

11-1PM at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson. Funeral services will begin at 1PM with Pastor Russ Strange officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Hermon Cemetery in Amesville, Ohio in Athens County. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com.