Dr. Rev. James L. Cline

Much More"

Dr. Rev. James L. Cline was known throughout the country as an esteemed member of the ministry in the Disciples of Christ (Christian) Church commu-nity. But those who were fortunate enough to spend time with Jim knew that this was just a part of the man who passed away at home while surrounded by his family on Aug. 26, 2005, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Jim was born on Feb. 23, 1927, in Canton, Ohio and grew up to become a letterman and record-holder for Canton Lehman High School in football, cross-country, and track. He continued his love of sports while attending Butler University in Indianapolis, Ind., where he won the cross-country event in the first Mid-American Conference track meet. Jim received his Bachelor of Arts from Butler and Bachelor of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary. Later, he returned to school to complete his Doctorate of Ministry from Texas Christian University in Ft. Worth, Texas. He married his beloved wife of 54 years, Shirley, on Dec. 26, 1950, after meeting her at church camp.

Dr. Cline served as senior minister at Central Christian Church in Marietta, First Christian Church in Harrison, North Hill Christian Church in Akron, and Central Christian Church in Newark, Ohio, and, after retirement, as interim minister at several churches in need. He also acted as chaplain for a year at Bethany College in Bethany, W. Va. While serving in his pastoral roles, Jim was extremely active in state and local church activities, especially enjoying those involving youth. He was chairman of the State New Church Committee in Ohio, chairman of the Ohio Youth Commission, and acted as either counselor or assistant director of Camp Christian youth camp for over 40 years. Additionally, he and Shirley helped to lead high school youth on annual United Nations seminars for 15 years. Jim was awarded the Disciple of Merit, the church's highest honor, in his first year of eligibility in 1996, and remained active in local congregations until his death.

Jim believed that a minister should be well-rounded and to that end enjoyed a number of interests outside of his church commitments. Known for his competitive spirit, he continued his running throughout the 1980s, often winning local races in his age group. He was a fierce card-player, often greeting guests at the door with his trademark phrase, ``Are you here to socialize or here to play cards?" He also enjoyed making beautiful stained-glass pieces, fishing, camping, puzzles of all kinds, and being a doting, loving grandfather. As avid travelers, Jim and Shirley were able to share the beauty of nature with their children by taking extended trips throughout the continental U.S. during the summers. In later years, other friends and family members were able to join them as they journeyed extensively to Hawaii, Canada, throughout Europe, the Holy Lands, South America, Mexico, and China.

The number of lives touched by both Jim's ministry and his everyday loving personality were countless and became apparent as news of his illness spread and wishes and prayers were received from all around the country on a daily basis. As anyone who had ever played cards with Jim inevitably would hear him say during a winning hand, ``Lucky in love, lucky in cards." In fact, those whose lives he touched were the lucky ones.

In addition to his wife, Shirley, Jim leaves four children: son and daughter-in-law, Carl and Belinda Cline of Wadsworth, Ohio; daughter, Sherri Cline of Sylmar, Calif.; daughters and sons-in-law, Julie and John Williamson of Harrison, Ohio, and Connie and Richard Vossler of Edwards, Colo. He also leaves six treasured grandchildren: Cami and Kerry Cline of Wadsworth, Ohio, and Allison, Nicholas, Kristen and Lauren Vossler of Edwards, Colo., and one beloved great-grandson, Lane Cline of Wadsworth, Ohio. He is also survived by his sister, Doris (Robert) Shatzer of Canton, Ohio, and his brother, Harold (Ann) Cline of Ft. Worth, Texas, and many loving sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Hilda Cline, and one brother, Carl E. Cline.

At Jim's request, memorial services will be held at Florence Christian Church, 300 Main St., Florence, Ky., on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2005, at 2 p.m., and at the Firestone Park Christian Church, 40 E Wilbeth Rd., Akron, Ohio 44301, on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2005, at 2 p.m. Both will be followed by a reception given for visitation with the family. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to the James and Shirley Cline Fund, which has been established to provide scholarships to Camp Christian of Ohio and to enhance youth work at Florence Christian Church. Donations may be sent to the Christian Church Foundation, 130 E. Washington St., P.O. Box 1986, Indianapolis, Ind. 46206-1986.