James "Jim" Modlin

James Herbert “Jim” Modlin, 80, of Casa Grande died Sept. 8, 2009 in Casa Grande.

A private service is planned.

Mr. Modlin was born Aug. 29, 1929 in Mason City, Iowa, to Claude and Ruth Ruhl Modlin. He attended school in Mason City, Florence, Ariz., and Waterloo, Iowa, graduating in 1947. He was in the Air Force from 1950 to 1954, serving in Alaska during the Korean War before receiving an honorable discharge. He and his family moved to Casa Grande in 1956, where he owned and operated Barnes-Modlin Refrigeration. He retired from Fluor Daniel Construction Co. in 1993 while living in Texas.

He was active in Casa Grande Jaycees from 1956 through 1965, holding several local and state offices. He was a life member of Casa Grande Valley Elks Lodge, serving as exalted ruler in 1970-71 and exalted ruler of Show Low Lodge 2090 in 1980-81. He also was chairman of the Jerry Lewis Telethon in Show Low and was active in the community wherever he lived. He was a kind, gentle Christian man.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Bonni; four brothers, Robert, Richard, Claude “Bud” and Paul; and three sisters, Maxine Modlin, Melissa Port and Edith Thoen. He is survived by four daughters and a son, Connie Mitchell, Jamie Pickering, Sallie Kleingarn, Lisa Crowl and Jeffrey Crowl; a sister, Nancy McClain; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Contributions may be made to any Elks lodge.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel was in charge of arrangements.