James L. "Jim" Slusser

James L. "Jim" Slusser, 90, went to be with Christ on December 14, 2023, at Springhill Village with his family by his side. He was a beloved father, grandpa, great grandpa, great-great grandpa, uncle, and friend. Jim was born March 25, 1933, in Martinsville, Illinois to George and Ruby (Howe) Slusser. He was a starter for the Martinsville Blue Streak football team and a 1951 graduate of Martinsville High School. He joined the United States Navy shortly after high school. He married the love of his life, Carol Ryan Slusser, July 11, 1956. She joined him in traveling as he continued his career with the Navy. His Navy service career included: Senior Chief Electrician Mate at the RTC Great Lakes in April 1952 to August 1952, USS Nicholas DDE-449 January 1953 to October 1955, USS Duncan DDR-874 November 1955 to March of 1956, USS Hornet CVA-12 October 1956 to August 1957, USS Hassayampa AO-145 May 1958 to February 1959, USS Moctobi ATF-105 February 1959 to September 1960, Fleet Training Group San Diego September 1960 to March 1962, SSC San Diego, California March 1962 to March 1965, USS Jason AR-8 April 1965 to August 1968, USS Chevalier DD-805 September 1968 to February 1970, USS Coontz DLG-9 February 1970 to February 1971, and SSC Great Lakes, IL May 1971 to January 1973. He served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. After retiring from the Navy, he moved his family to Terre Haute and bought Highland Laundromat at Plaza North Shopping Center that he owned and operated until 1979. He then owned Field of Flowers which he sold in 1988. Other businesses he owned that are still in operation are Slusser Service Center, Slusser Enterprises, and Slusser Coin Washer Company. Jim and his wife Carol enjoyed their retirement years traveling to Florida during the winter months and visiting Nebraska in the Spring and Fall to see family. He was a member of the United Methodist Temple, Zorah Shrine Terre Haute, Scottish Rite of Danville, Illinois, American Legion Post #90 of Clark County, Past Master of the Clark Lodge #603 AF & Am of Martinsville, Past Worthy Paton of Order of Easter Star 496 Martinsville, VFW Post 972, Merit Camping Group, and the Hilltopper Camping Group.
Jim is survived by his daughter Melinda Rader (Keith), grandchildren Keith Rader (Ashley), Jasmine Mix (Dalton), Kelly Slusser, Scott Slusser, Henry Corrales, Jamie Rader (Amy) all of Terre Haute, Adrianne Hayes (Jeremy) of Brazil; twenty-three great-grandchildren, fifteen great great-grandchildren, and one of the way that he didn't know about; sister-in-law Patty Ryan of Martinsville, Illinois, mother of grandchild Susan Berry, and mother to great grandchildren Kristen Richardson (David), as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He is preceded in death by his father George Slusser (7/27/1969), mother Ruby Howe Slusser (2/12/1980), wife Carol Slusser (4/9/2016), son Pat Slusser (4/29/2013), and grandson Timothy Berry (7/30/2009).
Service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Chris Gadlage officiating. The family will receive visitors from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at DeBaun Springhill Chapel from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Masonic Service will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Jim was blessed to have some special caregivers in his life that became life family, Linda Ballman, Kelly, Noel, Tammy, Sarah, and Shelly. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Shiner's Hospital for Children, Toys for Tots, or the Salvation Army in remembrance of Jim.
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