James "Jim" Whitman Marshall

James Whitman Marshall age 82, of Shoals, passed away at 4:07 AM on September 28, 2022, at the Martin County Nursing Center in Loogootee.  He was born June 15, 1940, at the Daviess County Hospital in Washington, Indiana to James R. and Laura Y. Marshall.  He married Sara Jane Harding on February 10, 1963, at the Shoals Christian Church. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Laura Marshall; two sisters, Nancy Owens and Pat Ewing; one niece, Cheryl Owens; and one nephew, Russell Ewing. 

Survivors include his wife Sara Jane Marshall; one sister, Becky Atkinson; two sisters-in-law, Charleen Tarr and Elizabeth (John) Chattin.   One cousin, four nephews and three nieces also survive.   

Jim graduated from Shoals High School, Lain Technical Institute, and attended Indiana University.  He was employed by the city of Indianapolis for four years.  He retired in 1999 from Midwestern Engineers, Inc Loogootee after thirty-five years of employment.  He served in the U.S. Army/Corp of Engineers 577 Engineer Battalion.  He and his wife owned Marshall Motors and Marshall Rental Storage.  Along with Larry Garett, he developed and owned the Shoals Tailer Court.  Jim was a partner with several Shoals Citizens in owning the Shoals Café and a Shell Gas Station.  Jim’s keen interest in his community has led him to provide outstanding leadership in multiple organizations over his lifetime. 

He was a member of the Shoals Christian Church, was a long time member of the Shoals American Legion Post 61, was a charter member and Past President of the Shoals Business Association, Past President of the Martin County Historical Society, Past President of the Shoals Senior Housing, past board member of the Martin County Chamber of Commerce, was a member of the Shoals Senior Citizens, was a member of the Shoals Catfish Festival Steering Committee, and was a member of the Martin County Bicentennial Committee.  He and his wife Jane are members of the Martin County Community Foundation’s Legacy Society and published two books of early historic articles about Martin County, Indiana. 

He was awarded the Carolyn Pratt Character and Leadership Award, the Gordon R. Bough Distinguished Service Award, was a Torch Bearer in the Indiana Bicentennial Celebration, and along with his wife was Grand Marshall of the 2011 Catfish Festival Parade, was presented the 2016 Philanthropist of the Year Award by the Martin County Community Foundation, and he and his wife received the 2018 Martin County Historical Society Award for Years of Service. 

Jim, along with others, was instrumental in saving the Old Martin County Courthouse from the wrecking ball.  His father worked there for several years, and his grandfather practiced law there. 

Jim’s life was a life well lived.  He truly loved Martin County and the river that ran through it. 

Funeral services will be 12:00 PM Saturday at the Queen-Lee Chapel of George Funeral Care with Pastor Gary Norris officiating.  Burial will be in the Spring Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will be 10:00 AM until the service hour. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Martin County Historical Society.

The Queen-Lee Chapel of George Funeral Care has been entrusted with the arrangement.