Obituary: James Earl "Pa Mobes" Mobry, Jr. - Class of 1952

COLUMBUS - James Earl "Pa Mobes" Mobry Jr., age 75, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009, at his home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on Jan. 28, 1934, in Madison to James Earl and Lucille (Smith) Mobry Sr. He was a 1952 graduate of Madison Central High School, then served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was married to Ellen Mershon on Feb. 25, 1961, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Jim worked at several Madison businesses. First, at Borden's Dairy and then at Arthur Murray's Dance Studio, both in Madison and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He owned and operated a service station on W. Washington Avenue and then worked at the Weidenbeck and Doblin store. He was a die caster at Madison Kipp Corp and founder of ABC Shirt Lettering in Madison. Jim was a photographer for United Church Directories, and most recently was the "Good Will Ambassador" at Robbins Manufacturing in Fall River. He loved league bowling, softball, euchre and coaching. He was an avid Packers, Badgers and Columbus sports fan, and a devout Cubs fan. Jim enjoyed attending and supporting his children's and grandchildren's sports activities. Survivors include his wife, Ellen of Columbus; four daughters, Julie Ellen (Tim Geiger) Mobry, Joan Ellen (Juan Alberto) Loza Mobry and Jenny Ellen (Darrell) Augustine all of Columbus, and Jill Ellen (Mike Ring) Mobry of Cottage Grove; two sons, James Earl (Juli) Mobry III of Fall River, and Robert Anthony Lee Mobry of Columbus; 16 grandchildren, Bob, Jeffery, Suzi, Jessica, Amanda, Steven, Riley, Ryan, Courtney, Cullie, Ellie, Holly, Anton, James IV, Jefferson and Jordan; two great-grandchildren, Kallie and Carson; a sister, Shirley (Marvin) North of Fairchild; a brother, Don Mobry of Madison; many cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives; and an infinite number of friends and co-workers. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Robert and Stephen. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the funeral home on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. A Celebration of Life and gathering will be from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, at the COLUMBUS COUNTRY CLUB in Columbus with military rites at 2 p.m. "More than anything, Jim was thankful to everyone for being his friend." Jensen Funeral and Cremation Columbus (920) 623-5850

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 15, 2009