Jimmie ‘Jim’ Darling Southworth, 87, passed away December 12, 2020, at Diversicare of Hutchinson. He was born October 16, 1933, in South Hutchinson, to Jimmie and Esther Lorraine (Hauert) Southworth.
Jim was a graduate of Partridge High School, Partridge. Upon graduation, he entered the United States Army and served from 1953-1955 during the Korean War. He was a machinist at Eaton Corporation (formerly Cessna Aircraft Company), Hutchinson, retiring with 39 years of service. After retirement, he managed the Countryside Lanes Bowling Alley, Hutchinson.
Jim was an avid bowler. He bowled two perfect games, one right-handed and one left-handed. He enjoyed golfing and had a renowned sense of humor. Jim was always ready with a quip or quote, such as “I’m celebrating my 39th birthday for the 48th time”. Not once did he ever admit to being older than 39 years. To celebrate Jim’s 39th birthday for the 41st time (80th birthday), several of his high school classmates gathered, and the jokes, the embellished storytelling, and the laughing at and with each other, was enjoyed and celebrated by all those in attendance. When it came to his family, he enjoyed joking with them, too, but his love for his family, especially the grandkids and great-grandkids, was always uppermost in his heart, his thoughts, and his actions.
On February 12, 1983, Jim married Emma Lou (Steele) Ledbetter, at their residence in Hutchinson. They shared over 37 years of marriage.
He is survived by his wife, Emma Lou Southworth of South Hutchinson; children, Lucy Southworth (Bill) McClave of Overland Park, Charles (Cindy) Ledbetter of Oklahoma City, OK, and Pam (Barry) Babcock of Hutchinson; eight grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; sister, Helen Pickerill; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Charles Ledbetter, Jr.; and siblings, Earl ‘Bud’ Southworth, Vivian Wroe, Katherine Black, and Birdella Hiebert.
Memorial service will be held at a future date. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, December 15, 2020, and Wednesday, December 16, 2020, at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson.
The family would like to ask that no flowers be sent. Memorials are suggested to Serenity Hospice Care, Hutchinson, or Crossroads Christian Church Youth Group, Hutchinson, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.