James Peabody

James Lorenz Peabody was born April 14, 1933. He is descended from the ""education"" Peabodys. His aunt, Louise Palmer Peabody started the first kindergarten and established the Palmer Method of Penmanship that is still used in schools today. Jim's grandfather, James E. Peabody, authored many medical books that are still used in medical schools throughout the country. Jim's great-grandfather, George W. Peabody, was the driving force in obtaining widow's benefits for the many men who perished from yellow fever during the building of the Panama Canal. He appeared before congress and argued the case so well that he was awarded a congressional medal. Some of Jim's uncles include Horace Mann and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Despite his illustrious family background, Jim was more comfortable just being around people. He loved to cook, and sharing his epicurean delights with neighbors and friends was one of his greatest joys. Jim loved his son, David and he delighted in his grandchildren, ""The Grand Prince and Princess of Puckett"" (Riley & Kaylee). He loved to read to them. Record and watch videos, teach them how to cook and fish. He took them on many grand ""adventures"". He was always so patient answering Riley's never ending ""What's that?"" He would talk to Kaylee for hours about her school and dance activities. Jim told them how much he loved them and their dad. Jim enjoyed his position as pre-need sales counselor. He started his career in life insurance and then gradually made the move to funeral sales. He was employed at Crown Hill Cemetery. Then he became a sales associate and ultimately president for many years at Fairmount Cemetery before deciding that he didn't like sitting behind a desk all day. He then joined Horan and McConaty as a sales representative and then sales manager. Jim set some rather impressive sales records during his tenure. His all-time favorite sales closing pitch to a client was ""This is such a wonderful thing you are doing to save your Little Missus from having to deal with these matters at such a critical time in her life!"" And then the ultimate line (if the client would hesitate because of cost) ""You know this is the right thing to do and you know you have this much money stashed in the sugar bowl!"" The client would howl with laughter and Jim would get the sale. But, even after the sale was over, he would always send a hand written thank you note and include his home phone number, should they have any questions or any help later. Jim loved to help people and volunteered many hours with the Nine Health Fair, the VA Nursing Home, the Knights of Columbus and his beloved First Marine Division Association. One of the most valued accomplishments in his life was the day he joined the United States Marine Corps to serve his country. He and his best friend, Jack Linsday, joined the Corps together thinking they were going to get these great looking uniforms and then get lots of girls. Instead, they got values and the training of a life time that they would never forget. Another cherished accomplishment was the day he became a Catholic. And now the day has come that I must say goodbye to my very best friend. I shall love you always, forget you never, cherish our times together-Semper Fi! Maryanne-your best friend and wife