Jim Abshier Eitelman's Obituary
Jim A. Eitelman, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away on September 1, 2018. He was born in Dallas, Texas to Jim A. Eitelman, Sr. and Catherine Cochran Eitelman on July 29, 1928. Jim graduated from Crozier Technical High School in 1946 where he excelled in mechanical drawing taught by an outstanding drafting teacher. His near-perfect lettering earned him a job with George Dahl Architects, his first real job. Jim graduated from SMU with a BS in Business in 1950. He returned to SMU in the 70’s, earning a Master of Liberal Arts degree in 1977.An avid automobile enthusiast, Jim could hold forth indefinitely about the history and workings of cars and the auto industry. A long-time member of the Horseless Carriage Club of Dallas, Jim, and his father restored a number of antique cars, including a multi-award winning 1923 Franklin. He achieved his dream job when General Motors opened the plant in Arlington, Texas. Starting on the production floor, he became Resident Engineer of the Industrial Engineering department before retiring after 35 years. He left many good friends there.Until the end, Jim could recite long poems he loved: “Gunga Din”, “The Cremation of Sam Magee”, “The Ballad of Yukon Jake”, “The Lady on the Bar-Room Floor” and other high-class literature.His sense of humor kept us laughing, but his quick and funny responses were always kind. He loved the game of tennis and played into his 80’s. About twenty years ago, Jim decided to try painting. He was hooked. He took lessons from some of the areas best teachers, including Bud Biggs, Ramon Froman, Robert Pummill, Naomi Brotherton, Bruce Greene, Martin Grelle and lately, Cece Turner. He was getting pretty darn good.His unceasing love made us know we were cherished, as he was and always will be, to us. Jim is survived by his loving family: wife, Jenoyce (Jan) Eitelman; daughters, Vickie Sue Cosson (David), Laurie Lee Schubert (Chuck), Kelly Lynn McDonald (Andy); eight grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Salvation Army, Union Gospel Mission of Dallas or a charity of your choice.Memorial services for Jim Abshier Eitelman will be held on Wednesday, September 5, 2018, at 12:30 PM in The Wildwood Chapel at Restland Funeral Home. A Reception will follow at Restland Funeral Home.Funeral arrangements for Jim Abshier Eitelman have been faithfully entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, which is located at 13005 Greenville Ave., at the intersection of Restland Road, Dallas, Texas 75243, and can be reached at (972) 238-7111.
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