James Louis Rabold, 85, of Vincennes, peacefully passed away into the arms of Jesus at 3:15 PM on December 24, 2024 with loved ones by his side at Good Samaritan Hospital. Jim was born to the late Joseph and Helen (Norris) Rabold in Detroit, Michigan on July 18, 1939 and graduated from East Detroit High School in 1957. He met the love of his life, Carol Barmes, in 1958 and on February 28, 1959 they were married in Vincennes. In 1960, the newlyweds welcomed their daughter, Brenda. In 65 years of marriage, Jim and Carol created a legacy of love and caring that was apparent to everyone whose lives they touched.
Jim’s faith was the cornerstone of his life and he was a member and pillar of the First Church of the Nazarene in Vincennes, where he served in any way he could. He started his first job as a milk boy at 14 years old and then worked as a cashier at a grocery store before taking a job at a shoe store when he was 16. He joined the Air Force Reserves at 17 years old and eventually transferred to the Army National Guard, totaling nine years of service to his country. He spent several years managing Merit’s Shoes in Vincennes and Crawfordsville before embarking on a 35-year career, mostly as an engineer, with Norfolk-Southern Railroad.
While his strongest passions were his family and faith, Jim also loved old cars and his home. His memory was impeccable to the point where he could tell you when things were purchased and how much he paid for them, even in the last weeks of his life. He loved to watch car auctions and “Pickers” on television and he was meticulous in taking care of his home and yard. He could fix anything and if someone needed help, he was always willing to lend a hand. Jim also loved to eat, especially when Carol was cooking. His sense of humor kept those around him smiling and his one-liners would keep you on your toes. He was a great listener and just as good at giving advice when it was needed. He treated people like family even if they weren’t and he was a gentle, caring man.
Jim is survived by his wife, Carol (Barmes) Rabold; his daughter Brenda Street and her husband Ken; his grandchildren, Jimmy Street and Elizabeth McCarter and a great granddaughter, Kendra McCarter. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Helen Rabold.
Funeral services will be celebrated on December 28, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Duesterberg-Fredrick Funeral Home with Pastor Donnie Stamper officiating. He will be laid to rest in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until the time of services at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the First Church of the Nazarene.
Duesterberg-Fredrick Funeral Home is honored to assist the Rabold family during their time of loss.
To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of James L. Rabold, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
28
Dec
521 Vigo Street
Vincennes, IN 47591
Funeral
28
Dec
521 Vigo Street
Vincennes, IN 47591
Cemetery Details
Location
Willow Street
Vincennes, IN 47591
First Church of the Nazarene
