James Corbett Obituary

James Corbett Naples, FL

James Brendan Corbett, formerly of Champaign IL, passed peacefully into the next life Sunday March 30 in Naples FL. On the day before his death, he was joking laughing and 'singing.' He was surrounded by family praying the Divine Chaplet at the time of his death, which had been a fond wish of his.

Dr. Jim was born March 10, 1924 in Crusheen, Ireland. Called Brendan by his family, he was raised in Dublin. His father had a pub and grocery store which supported the cause of Irish independence. He was one of eight children. None of his siblings survived him. He was very dedicated to hurling and golf and a fine athlete. He graduated from University College, Dublin, Ireland then moved to the United States to complete his pediatric training. When he was in Washington, DC, he met the lovely nurse, Ingeborg Ernst and made her his wife.

The Corbetts moved to Champaign-Urbana after he finished his training where they both took positions at Carle Hospital. After losing their first child to SIDS, they raised five children in Champaign. They relocated only for his service in the Army medical core in Alabama and Kentucky during the Korean Conflict then returned. Dr. Jim continued to work at Carle until his retirement at age 65. He was very active in the Catholic Church. He was involved at Holy Cross, The Neumann Center, and St. Matthews and at St. Thomas Moore School. Jim taught at the medical school when it was started at UI-UC.

Jim and Inge participated in medical missions in Columbia. They moved permanently to Florida after Jim was diagnosed with and treated for stomach cancer at Carle in 2004. Jim supported bringing Ave Maria University to the Naples, FL. He was involved with the Knights of Columbus, Meals on Wheels, the Pro-Life movement and rosary making for as long as he was able.

He is survived by his wife, Inge and all five children; Kevin, married to Joanna Zimmerman of Mountain View, CA, Kathleen (Kit) of Naples, FL, Helen married to Steven Ebers currently of Hillsboro, OR and Michael Corbett, married to Sandi Corbett, of Schaumburg, IL, and Carmel Wellso, married to Charles Wellso, currently in Singapore; his 11 grandchildren: Jimmy and Russell Corbett-Detig, Kelly Rickard, Amy and Sharon Zimmerman, Brendan and Johanna Ebers, Peter and 2nd Lt Christian Corbett, Lucy and Naomi Wellso; and one great grandchild Liam Rickard.

The family will welcome friends Friday, April 4, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hodges Funeral Home 525 111th Avenue North Naples, FL 34108.

Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at St William Catholic Church 601 Seagate Drive, Naples, FL.

Donations can be made in his name to Diocese of Venice 1000 Pine brook Road Venice, FL 34285, to benefit St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Naples Daily News on Apr. 2, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for James Corbett

7 Entries

Josh Brooking

June 13, 2025

REST IN PEACE jim hoggins. you were a beloved person

Kris and David Collins

April 5, 2014

Dear Inge and family of Jim,
My husband, David and I met your parents through the prayer group at U of I during our undergrad years. Your father was very instrumental in encouraging me through a difficult time and helped me share my cross to benefit others. When my husband and I visited Ireland the summer before we were married, your parents hosted us and acted as chaperones for us :) During one of our excursions in the countryside, another car caused your father to drive off the road which made for a great adventure with some purely Irish farmers. We treasure both of your parents and the witness they were to so many young people and couples in Champaign. The Christmas ornament that your mom cross-stitched for our wedding reminds us of their friendship and hangs on our tree each year. We are praying for all of you during this time of loss.

Pearse Corbett

April 5, 2014

You are in our thoughts and prayers. Brendan was remembered in the vigil mass this evening here in Castleknock, Dublin. His sense of social justice and ability to provoke thought and discussion will be missed. Mary Rose, Vanessa & Pearse

April 4, 2014

Helen, Steve, Brendan, Johanna and family, So sorry to hear of the death of your father. So enjoyed our visits with both your of your parents. So delightful! He will leave a huge void in your lives but you have so many wonderful memories of him. Hugs from all of us to all of you. Cathy Don, Liam, Caitlin and Mollie

Katy and Dan McCue

April 4, 2014

Oh how I wish we could join you all tonight to celebrate Jim's amazing life! He touched us in so many ways and we will miss him. The last picture we all took together before they moved to Naples remains on our refrigerator. Both Inge and Jim are forever in our hearts. They mean more than words can say. They loved and cared for us as we were dating, helped with our wedding, celebrated the births of our children, and came alongside us as during life's challenges and disappointments. Their words of wisdom, example of hospitality and guiding faith are their priceless legacy to us. God bless all of you as you gather to remember. Please give Inge a hug for us!

April 4, 2014

Kit,
Our prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Grant Young and Sharon Chicky

Phyllis Barrington Terrace

April 3, 2014

Kit, we are all so sad to hear about dad. We loved your mom and dad and really missed them when they left. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.

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