James Robert Kolbe

1929 - 2016

KOLBE, James Robert, age 87 of Sanford, N.C., passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016. Bob was born on Feb. 24, 1929 to the late William Carl Kolbe and Maude (Brazelton) Kolbe of Winchester. He married Bernice Irene McKinney on May 14, 2011. She survives. Other survivors include his children, Brenda Cunningham (Steve) of Winchester, Elizabeth Walters (Dan) of Indianapolis, Ind., Kenneth Kolbe (April) of Ellettsville, Ind. and Kelley Worley (Dave) of Indianapolis, Ind.; 10 grandchildren, Mandy Stockton, Sam Schrader (Brittany), Adam Walters (Jenny), Madisson Walters, Hannah Walters, Tyler Kolbe, Tanner Kolbe, Teannah Kolbe, Taylor Worley and Zach Worley; five great-grandchildren, Ava Roembke, Jude Roberts, Jackson Smith, Riley Walters and Lilly Walters; and one nephew, Steve Kolbe. Bob was preceded in passing by his brother, William Kolbe of Estill Springs; his daughter, Karen Stockton of Winchester; and wives, Mary Frances (Hunt) Kolbe of Tullahoma and Barbara (Gregory) Kolbe of Franklin. Bob was a veteran serving in the U.S. Navy from 1946-1949. He retired from Twigg Corporation in Martinsville, Ind. after a long career as their senior quality manager. Bob was a member of the Friendship Baptist Church in Franklin, Ind. Ministry in music was his passion. He was also an avid Indiana University sports fan. The Rev. Fred Brown will conduct his Life Celebration Service on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, at 2 p.m. at the Friendship Baptist Church, 1600 Westview Dr., Franklin, Ind. Visitation with the family will be held at 1 p.m. Interment will be at Nebo Memorial Park Cemetery in Martinsville, Ind. immediately following the service.