James Frederick Flater, 95, of Greencastle died peacefully at Asbury Towers Tuesday, January 7.

Jim was born April 16, 1929, in Worthington, Ind., the son of Elbridge and Mildred Hubbell Flater. He spent most of his childhood summers at the Hubbell family farm in rural Clay County. He attributed his work ethic to time spent there with his great uncles, Bert and Clyde Hubbell, and his dedication to serving others to his great aunt, Della Hubbell.

Jim left school in Bloomington, Ind., to join the army as a teenager. He served in Korea, then trained and worked as a plasterer until he was hired by IBM in Greencastle. He later became a manager there.

Jim married Margaret Miller Flater Oct. 8, 1949, and she survives. They celebrated their 75th anniversary just last year. Also surviving are three children: Sherry (Ron) Cash, Rita (Mike) Goss, and Jeff (Jennifer) Flater, as well as Jim’s siblings, Mary Keller and Clyde Flater, 12 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by a daughter, Cathy Davis, a grandson, Brooke Cash, Jim’s parents, two sisters, and three brothers.

In addition to his career with IBM, Jim was an ordained deacon and ordained minister who served as interim pastor to several area churches. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Fillmore from 1961 until his passing. He taught Sunday School class there for many years, as well as Bible studies on the Book of Revelation.

He and his wife were also active in mission and ministry through Habitat for Humanity, the Active Baptist Campers, and on trips to Haiti, Puerto Rico, and Oklahoma.

Jim’s dream of owning a small farm was fulfilled when he and Margaret moved in 1969 to property previously owned by Almon Buis in rural Coatesville. A skilled woodworker, Jim spent many hours in his barn workshop, turning out beautiful furniture, including all their kitchen cabinets, a complete bedroom suite, grandfather clocks for them and each of their children, and more.

Jim was also proud to have started and owned a Greencastle business – J&J Lawn & Garden Sales & Service – with his son, Jeff.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 10, at Bousley Funeral Home in Coatesville, with services to follow at 11, also at Bousley Funeral Home. Interment will be in Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the CASA Program or to Isaiah 117 House.