James "Jim" Melvin Marcum
L&G
Lewis & Gillum Funeral Homes
28 Harding Ave., Jackson, Ohio 45640
(p) 740-286-2010
James “Jim” Melvin Marcum, age 73, passed away on Thursday, April 4, 2024. God saw that Jim was tired and as God opened His arms wide, Jim slipped quietly and willingly into the Light of the Heavens. There to make his transition easier were his parents, James and Betty; grandparents, Jennings and Berthie Marcum and Otto and Verona Arrowood; sisters, Linda (brother-in-law, Lee) and Judy; sister-in-law, Vickie; brother-in-law, Butch; and father and mother-in-law, Carl and Glenna Foster, and to round out this great reunion, a host of good friends and other family members. A special lady, Janet, that promised him a dance that now he can collect on. Though he is at peace from his suffering, he leaves behind those he cherished. The most to grieve is his wife of 43 years, Carla; his son, Josh (Shae) Marcum; brother, John (Lori) Marcum; his pride and joy granddaughters, McKenzie “Peanut” and Annaliese; and grandson, Marshall. Also surviving are nieces and nephews and other family members.
James had the honor of being the first grandchild, surprisingly being born on his grandpa, Jenning’s birthday (June 20th). He lived most of his life in the Groveport area. He worked for Certified Oil Refinery in Groveport, and then worked in Madison and Hamilton townships as a school bus driver. He also was a custodian for Hamilton township. Being a school bus driver and custodian were his most prized accomplishments. Students who graduated would come back to visit and be sure to pay him a visit, or if they saw him out, they would make sure to acknowledge him. Jim felt he must have made a good impression on the students, and this made him very proud. Eventually his health would no longer allow him this, and he retired.
After retirement, he became “the man” on the porch (the mayor of Groveport). Everyone went by and waved or honked at him. Those walking by would stop with their dogs to see Jim and say a couple of kind words to someone who was lonely during the day. When him and Carla moved to Portsmouth, he didn’t have the traffic and people stopping by, but he loved it because he loved the outdoors. He was back in nature with the turkeys, birds, deer, rabbits, squirrels, and anything else that might come into view. He loved to camp, fish, and hunt, and when his health didn’t allow him to do these things, he made up fishing and hunting stories or told of the good times past. He loved to hear the “younger adventurers” stories and live vicariously through them. He was always a good cook (his meatloaf was the best). His grandson thought his biscuits and gravy were the best also. He enjoyed canning and they say he made the best deer jerky and “apple pie”.
Though his body has been removed from us, his spirit will continue to be in our daily lives in our memory of James. He is gone in body, but will never be forgotten and will continue to live on through those left behind with the all of those memories.
Visitation will be held Monday, April 8, 2024, from 11-1 PM at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home in Jackson. Masonic services will end the calling hours at 12:45 PM. Funeral services will immediately follow at 1:00. Interment will be in Fairmount Cemetery. Carrying him to his final resting place will be pallbearers: John Marcum, Scott Ayers, Josh Marcum, Josh Mullens, Paul Leach and Caleb Collins. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holzer Hospice, 2881 OH-160 Gallipolis, Ohio 45631. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com.