Jim Childers
October 23, 2016Share using:
Jim (Chank) Lyman Childers, 64, beloved son, father, grandfather, and friend passed away at his home in Mountain Home, Arkansas on Saturday, October 23, 2016.
Lyman and Arlene Childers welcomed Jim to the world on September 18th, 1952 in Winton, Minnesota. As a child Jim enjoyed an active and exciting childhood growing up in the White Iron Villas, spending his days playing outdoors with his sisters and neighbors. After graduating from Ely Memorial High School in 1970 Jim enlisted in the Army, where he proudly served as a Paratrooper in the 173rd Airborne Division deployed in Vietnam. While serving Jim earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star, and following his active duty he continued to be an active supporter and Commander of Ely’s VFW Post 2717 and member of Post 3246 in Arkansas. In his words, his time in the military wasn’t a service…”it was an honor!”
Jim grew up and resided in Ely for the majority of his life, but had recently relocated to Arkansas with his significant other Debbi to escape the cold and the snow. He cherished the Ely area for the beautiful outdoor activities it offered, specifically the opportunities to go swimming, fishing, camping, and hunting. Carpentry was another of Jim’s passions, which led him to establish Childers Construction and offer his woodworking services to the Ely community. Friends of Jim likely have memories of visiting his workshop, where his handiwork was on display, Vikings logos were prevalent, and Neil Young was usually playing on the speakers. In his free time Jim enjoyed playing pool, a game of chess, and he was a perpetual Vikings optimist and lifelong fan. Recently Jim had been busy visiting various parts of the country, always willing to travel if it meant he could be with friends and loved ones.
Jim is survived by his significant other Debbi; his mother Arlene; son Todd (Jody), grandson Elijah and granddaughter Ella; daughter Cameo Gillson (Jason), granddaughter Coco and grandson Henry; mother of his children Roberta Childers; sister Shelley Oxley (Joe); sister Jean O’Harris (Tim);and numerous cousins and extended family.
A memorial service will be held at the Ely United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 12th, at 11:00AM. A private burial service will be held separately for Jim’s immediate family.
Memorials may be given to the Ely Veteran’s Memorial project, for which ground was broken earlier this year. The memorial has a GoFundMe site at www.gofundme.com and is called “The Ely Area Veterans Memorial.” As an alternative, contributions may also be sent to Ely Area Veterans Memorial c/o City of Ely, 209 E. Chapman St., Ely, MN 55731.
Family and friends are also invited to attend a celebration of life at the Grand Ely Lodge, which will commence at 3:00PM that same day.
