COLUMBUS
James Roger “Jim” Preble, 78, passed away suddenly at his home, Friday, Nov. 10, 2018. He had been in failing health for several months, but his death was unexpected.
Jim owned Ziggies Pub, on North National Road. He retired from Cummins Engine Co. in 1995.
He was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving aboard a U.S. destroyer in Cuba during the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion.
He loved traveling to Florida with his motorhome. He also loved motorcycling, and had attended Daytona Bike Rally many times, and had visited the Black Hills in South Dakota for the Sturgis Rally.
Jim and several other Cummins employees from the turbocharger and fuel systems divisions were involved as engineers and the pit crew for semi-truck racing for a number of years. Jim’s specialty was fuel systems.
The sport started in the U.S. at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in the summer of 1979, and was the opening scene in the movie “Smokey and the Bandit II.” Jim was present during the filming of the racing scenes and met several of the cast members. There is a brief glimpse of one of their trucks in the background of one scene in the movie.
Jim was cheerful and good natured, and always busy, never one to sit still for long. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
In accordance with his wishes, Jim will be cremated and no formal services will be held.
Memorial contributions may be made to VA Medical Center Voluntary Service, 1481 W. 10th St., Indianapolis, IN 46202; telephone, 317-988-2734. Note that contributions are for the Indigent Fund, in memory of James R. Preble.
Born in Pierceville, Indiana, Jim was the son of Carol P. and Beatrice Shelp Preble.
He married Donna Kuhlman Wray Sept. 25, 2000, in Las Vegas, Nevada, dressed as Col. Harlan Sanders, whom he strongly resembled.
Survivors include his wife; his son, Carrol R. Preble of Florida; his daughter, Angela Sanders of Greensburg; step-children, John W. Johnson, Bridget A. Johnson and Mark K. Wray, stepdaughters by a previous marriage, Connie Hasch and Wendy Kirts — all of Columbus; his first wife, Mary Kathryn Preble of Greensburg; several grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Ralph D. Preble; and his second wife, Connie Cooper Preble.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hathaway-myers.com.
Hathaway~Myers Chapel on Pearl is assisting with arrangements.
