Born: June 28, 1933 - Deceased: November 7, 2021
Chaplain James “Jim” Corbitt, age 88, of Belleville Illinois, passed away on November 7, 2021 after complications from congestive heart failure.
Jim dedicated his life to serving God and country. This was evident by the range and impact of his ministry outreach. He started his career as an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church, serving local churches throughout Southern Illinois for over twelve years. Jim then felt called to serve as a chaplain in the United States Air Force. He served for the next twenty years, including tours in North Carolina, Illinois, Michigan, England, Vietnam and Korea. Jim completed his Air Force career retiring in 1984 achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. The Lord then led Jim to serve as the Director of Pastoral Care at Belleville Memorial Hospital which he did for over 17 years. During this time he became a Board Certified Chaplain by the Association of Professional Chaplains.
Jim graduated from Vienna High School in 1951, and was a co-founder of the Youth for Christ group. In 1955, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree from McKendree College. He went on to earn his Master of Divinity degree from Garrett Theological Seminary in 1960.
Jim is preceded in death by his:
- Parents: William T and Viva (Clayton) Corbitt
- First wife: Darlene (Hoover)
- Second wife: Jennifer (Hoover)
- Sister: Kathleen King
- Infant son: Jay Michael
- Son: Seth James
He is survived by:
- Eleven children
- John (Cheryl)
- Joy
- Jeff (Susan)
- David (Heather)
- Adam (Mary)
- Suzanna
- Jennifer (Jim)
- Elizabeth
- Gina
- Anna
- Taylor
- His legacy continues with:
- 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Jim was a man of quick wit with deep love and commitment for his family. He enjoyed spending time each summer at Beulah Holiness Camp. Beulah is a place near and dear to his heart as it was at the altar at Beulah where he was called to the ministry.
Memorials: As an expression of sympathy and in honor of Jim’s life, memorial donations may be made to Beulah Holiness Camp in Eldorado, IL.
All Services at: St. Matthew United Methodist Church – Belleville, IL
Visitation: Thursday, Nov. 11th, 4:00 – 8:00 pm & Friday, Nov. 12th, 10:00 – 11:00 am
Funeral: Friday, Nov. 12th, 11:00 am followed by burial at Valhalla Gardens, Belleville
10 Comments
Dear Corbitt Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences;
as we Celebrate your beloved’s Heavenly Homegoing
Jim was definitely a unique person. As Chief Chaplain I, as VP of Human Resources at Memorial, highly respected his knowledge and ability to deal with any situation as not only a minister but as a leader. He truly was an example. To the family please accept my condolences.
Jeff and Susan and your families…what a legacy this gentleman left! Bob and I send our love and sympathy to all of you.
Deepest sympathies to you Adam and your family.
Thank you for giving us such an interesting personal history of such an honorable man. I loved reading the details of Mr. Corbitt’s dedication to God, family and country. Especially the time he knelt at the altar at Beulah Holiness Camp and responded to God’s calling him to ministry. I’m holding you all close to my heart in thoughts and prayers.
It has been my privilege to know Jim for many years. We have kept up with each other and he will be missed greatly by me and my family.
The Nicely’s are having some health issues this week, so we will not be able to attend JC’s services. Jim was the one who asked me to apply for his job as he was about to retire from Memorial Hospital. His invitation influenced my life for the next 18 years. We also loved to attend special events at St. Matthew’s and visit there with Jim and his daughters. Jim was a truly gracious man and left a good, positive impression on everyone he met!
To the Corbitt Family:
Your father was such a delight to work with. I am so very sorry for your loss. Our community has lost a wonderful man of faith with his passing. May you be comforted by wonderful memories of a wonderful man.
Jim was such a kind and caring man, always a smile on his face and a gentle word to everyone.
Our family will never forget Jims graciousness of offering his handicap accessible van so our father could come to our home to]spend his last Thanksgiving with his entire family.
There is no doubt Jim is hearing….Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the Joys of the Lord.
What a legacy Jim has left to the entire Corbitt family….
Rev .Corbin was truely a man of God. As an ER nurse , I witnessed him comforting the sick and heartbroken for many years.As the parent of a child with Cerebral Palsy, he inspired me and even spoke at my daughter’s funeral . He was a great man and the world was a better place with him in it.