Funeral: 2 p.m. Jan. 27, at First Baptist Church, Springfield. The family asks that attendees wear bright colors in honor of Jim. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Freeway Ministries. Online condolences may be left at www.holdenfunerals.com.
James Edward Corbett, 66, of Springfield, died Jan. 14, 2019. Jim fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Jim passed away peacefully in his home with his wife, Deborah, beside him. Jim was born on April 7, 1952, in Tallahassee, Florida to Grace and James Edward Corbett, Sr. He was the youngest of three children, with twin sisters Jane and Anne.
Jim spent the first part of his life in Tallahassee, including graduating from Florida State University in 1974. He and Deborah married on Nov. 26, 1975, and as newlyweds, began their careers in Chicago. While working full-time for ITT Corporation by day, Jim attended John Marshall Law School at night for five years. During that time, he and Deborah had their first two children, Matt and Melissa.
Upon graduating from law school, the family moved to Evansville, Indiana where Jim first began practicing law. They had two more children, Sarah and Sam, before relocating to Springfield in 1985.
The Corbett family found their home in Springfield. Jim founded Corbett Law Firm in 1986, and continued to practice law until his health declined. Jim loved his work and had great success but would not want to be remembered for his job.
Jim was a wonderful husband, dad, and friend. He always gave his best to his family. He and Deborah were happily married for 43 years. Through the years, they welcomed many children into their home and gave them a safe place to flourish. In addition to their biological children, they raised their nephew, Nate, and adopted their youngest daughter, Lilly, from China in 2007. Their children grew up in a home full of faith, laughter and fun. He loved his family well.
Jim had a sweet relationship with Jesus and spent his time and energy investing in people. He made us all laugh with his amazing storytelling. He was incredibly generous and would meet the needs of others cheerfully. He believed the best in others and encouraged us to pursue our passions. He adored his grandchildren and had a special relationship with each of them. He lived for adventure and loved to travel with his family. Jim loved to snow ski in Whistler, British Columbia and scuba dive in the Florida Keys.
Everyone who had the privilege of knowing Jim was positively impacted by his life. Jim was actively involved in First Baptist Church and Freeway Ministries. At church, he taught the fifth and sixth grade boys Sunday School class. Jim loved the work of Freeway. Last February, he had the privilege of traveling to South Africa to work with the local Freeway in Capetown.
Jim is survived by his wife, Deborah; their five children, Matt and wife Jennifer Corbett, Melissa Corbett, Sarah and husband Brett Williams, Sam and wife Stephanie Corbett and Lilly Corbett; nephew Nate and wife Malayna Woods; 10 grandchildren; twin sisters Jane and husband Jim Shimeall and Anne Brown; and a large, wonderful extended family.
