James Lewis Conkle
James Lewis Conkle born October 4, 1933 passed away August 24, 2023. Son of Jonas McClellan Conkle and Frances Kathleen Athey Conkle.
Preceded in death by parents; sister, Frances Carol Hafey; brother, Robert Athey Conkle; first wife, Doris Rhodes Conkle; second wife, Betty Leonard Conkle. Survived by nephews and nieces: Luther (Sally) Hafey of Ashville; Carla Harvey of Indiana PA; Mike (Deborah) Conkle of Kyger; Shelia (James) Taylor of Bidwell; Linda Fishburn of Columbus; Cindy Caruthers of Kyger; several great and great, great nephews and nieces.
One day when James was small, his sister asked him if he was feeling alright. He couldn’t speak up for a second, what came out was a garbled ‘Fiding alright’, his mother heard Fid and the name stuck.
He loved playing softball in the 40’s, started playing on the Kyger team in his younger days, then playing for the Cheshire Raiders and then later the Pilots. When he asked his dad if he could play for the Cheshire team his dad said “only if you win”. He said the only thing he did was pitch and bat fourth.
Graduating from Cheshire High School in 1951, he served in the U S Navy from February 52 through February 56. While serving during the Korean War, he was assigned to the USS Renville APA-227. He was an engineer on a LCVP (Landing Craft for Vehicles and Personal) used in combat landings. After leaving the Navy he drove a coal truck for 7 years. He then worked for Kaiser Aluminum in Ravenswood WV, retiring after 33 years.
In November 1991 He received the Caretaker Award from the State of Ohio for 27 years of devoted service as a caregiver to his wife, Betty.
He was a member River of Life United Methodist Church and American Legion Post 128. In May of 2015 he was able to participate on an Honor Flight to Washington DC.
The family wants to thank the employees at Holzer Assistant Living – Gallipolis for all the care given to Uncle Jim this past year.
Services are pending
