Obituary of Harry James Colburn

Harry James “Jim” Colburn, 76, of Bedford died at 11:35am on Friday, February 2, 2024. Born March 25, 1947, in Bedford, IN he was the son of George Carr and Mary Elizabeth “Betty” (Roberts) Colburn. He married Judith Arnold on August 6, 1966, and she survives. Jim graduated from Shawswick High School and had worked as an insurance agent prior to retirement. He was a member of the Faith Mission Church and a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving on the USS Saratoga. After being honorably discharged from the US Navy in 1970, Jim continued working at Ideal Shoe Store, where he had worked for several years prior to his military service. In 1973, he began what would be a 45 year career as an insurance agent, beginning at Farm Bureau Insurance for 18 years, then 27 years as an independent agent. He was for many, many people “their favorite insurance man” because he was always willing to go above and beyond, putting the client’s interest above how much money he would make from the transaction. He loved basketball, and played throughout his school years, becoming quite a “star” in his high school years from 1962 – 1966 at Shawswick High School. As an adult, he coached a girls’ team at what was then the Girl’s Club in Bedford, and then for several years he coached the boys’ team at Stone City Christian Academy. All of the young men he coached claimed a very special place in his heart, and it gave him so much joy because many of them have stayed in touch over the years. He also loved to golf, and even though his health had not allowed him to do much of it in recent years, a friend was able to get him back on the course Summer 2023 and he had such a great time and was able to do what he thought he would never be able to do again. Another thing he did that brought him joy for many years, he became Santa Claus at Christmas time to the delight of many children all over town. He was even the downtown Santa one year, riding in the parade on the fire truck. The children he visited with all those years ago now have children and even grandchildren of their own, but they have not forgotten him as Santa. He loved his wife, and it was his life’s goal to make sure she was taken care of. They met as babies, knew each other all of their lives, and finally got together as sweethearts in high school and married shortly after graduation. They had two sons, whom he loved dearly and spent the last few years of his life post-retirement doing everything he could for them. He also loved Faith Mission Church. He began attending as a baby and was a faithful member until his death. He was willing to help out in any way he could, playing the trombone in the orchestra for many years, operating the sound board, singing duets with his wife, and serving in many other ways. He loved his church family, and they loved him in return. So many other things could be written about Jim. If you have memories of your own you would like to post on his Facebook page, the family would enjoy reading those. Survivors include his wife Judy of Bedford; two sons, Jonathan Colburn of Bedford, and James Colburn of Portland; a sister, Joanne Adams of Bedford; three sisters-in-law, Donna Pannell of Tampa, Fl, Donetta Eads and Sue Colburn, both of Bedford; a brother-in-law, Edward Arnold of Elora, TN; several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and one great- great niece. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, John Colburn, and Ben Colburn. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am on Wednesday, February 7th at the Faith Mission Church with Pastor Bryan Line and Rev. Leonard Sankey officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, February 6th from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the Faith Mission Church.