James N. “Jim” Best
James N. “Jim” Best went to be with our Lord, April 3, 2016, at Marietta Memorial Hospital after a sudden illness. His family and friends were at his side.
He was born November 21, 1922, at Whipple, Ohio, to Arthur J. and Minda P. Best. He is survived by his children: Sandra J. (George) Krout of Brandon, FL, Ginny L. (Durwood) Gandee of Ravenswood, WV, James N. (Kathy) Best II of North Ridgeville, OH, and Michael W. Best of Marietta. Also surviving are grandchildren: David and Sonja Krout, Stephen and Nadyia Krout, Dr. Alicia Gandee, Ash Gandee, Scott and Kathy Best, Austin and Karami Best, Garret Best, Averi Best and Heidi (Robby) Krouse. Great grandchildren: Christopher (Jessie) Krout, Caleb Krout, Camryn Krout, James “Jimmy” Best, Isabel Best, Emma Best and Corrine Best, Cylus and Annabelle Best. One sister, Betty (Dale) Oliver, Poland, OH, and one sister-in-law Anna M. (Robert) Prigmore of Mansfield, OH, several nieces and nephews and former daughter-in-law Jolena Best and his friends, Cathy Binegar and Paula Hadley.
On July 26, 1943, he married Leona L. Corp Best who died May 19, 2007. His daughter Teresa A. (Ken) Richardson of Tampa, FL died April 26, 2013. Also deceased are his parents, brother Reginal L. Best and his very, very special friend and constant companion, his little dog “Arnold.”
He was a graduate of Marietta High School, Class of 1940. He was a special agent for Prudential Insurance Company for 24 years, retiring in 1980. He qualified for the National Quality Award 17 years. His hobbies were collecting stamps, writing poetry and short stories. He loved his family and friends and enjoyed all sports, good music, the outdoors and loved all animals, especially dogs and wrote several poems and stories about them. He was a contributing member of the Humane Society of Ohio Valley and many other animal organizations. He was a Christian and member of St. Paul’s Church since birth and had served several times on the church consistory in past years.
Jim was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, son and “person.” He will be sadly missed and now resides with our heavenly Father.
Funeral services will be held on Friday (Apr. 8) at 1:00 pm at McClure-Schafer-Lankford Funeral Home with Pastor Thomas Hendershot officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday from 2-4 & 6-8. Burial will be in East Lawn Memorial Park. Messages of sympathy may be sent at www.Lankfordfh.com.