James Douglas Surber (Jim) peacefully passed away on December 10, 2023, in Decatur, Alabama, surrounded by his loving family.
Jim was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on February 20, 1945. As a child, his family moved to Mexico, Missouri where he resided until he attended college.Jim graduated from Northeast Missouri State, Kirksville, Missouri (now Truman State), with a dual degree in Industrial Arts and History. He briefly served as a student teacher in the St. Louis school district before embarking on a career in the Engineering Department at Electric Wheel (a division of Firestone Tire and Rubber) in Quincy, Illinois. It was during this time that he met Christine Zwick, and they were married in 1971.
In 1975, Jim established his own venture, Moldmaster Corporation, in Milledgeville, Illinois, which he successfully operated for 14 years. Jim’s contributions extended beyond his professional achievements; he served as Chairman of the Board at Pinecrest Manor in Mt. Morris, Illinois, and at Dutchtown Church of the Brethren in Milledgeville, Illinois. He was also elected to the city council of Milledgeville, serving for four years.
In 1997, Jim relocated to Alabama to be closer to his family and then worked at EFP Corporation, retiring in 2005. Active in the First United Methodist Church (FUMC) until Parkinson’s took its toll, Jim also engaged in building ramps for the disabled. He served on the Board of Trustees at FUMC in Decatur.
Jim was a devoted participant in the Rock Steady Boxing class in Decatur, forging enduring friendships with fellow Parkinson’s warriors. He met many good friends there and continued to keep in touch with many of his fellow Parkinson’s buddies.
Jim is survived by his wife of 52 years, Christine, and his son, Dr. Andy Surber and wife Mary of Memphis, Tennessee, and daughter, Callie and wife, Crystal Jee, of Bartlett, Illinois. He is also survived by four cherished grandchildren, Keenan and Logan Surber of California, and Sarah and Hannah Jee of Illinois.
Jim is fondly remembered by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, residing in Illinois: Linda and Jim Moller of Champaign, Ann and Jim Vandiver of Quincy, Julie and Bill Ganzer of Rolling Meadows, Nancy and G. Keller of Quincy, and Jody and Greg Frese, of Quincy. Additionally, numerous nieces, nephews, and beloved Alabama cousins mourn his passing.
The family expresses deep gratitude to Leigh Ann, Carol, and Penny of Hospice of the Valley, whose compassionate care enriched Jim’s final months.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Callie and Harold Surber of Alabama, his grandparents, Mary Emma and Jim Surber, and Altha and Thomas Douglas Montz, brother-in-law, Peter Zwick, and several cousins.
A memorial service to honor Jim’s life will be held at First United Methodist Church, Decatur, Alabama. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. followed by a service at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 16, 2023.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 805 Canal Street, NE, Decatur, Alabama, 35601, or Hospice of the Valley, 240 Johnston St., SE, Decatur, Alabama, 35601.
