James Richard Line, 87, of Russell, Kansas went to be
with his beloved wife of 58 years, Cheryl Line on January 24, 2013.
Jim was born January 19, 1926 in Port Royal, Pennsylvania, the son of George W. and Margaretta (Kepner) Line. He grew up in Akron, Ohio and attended school there, not only excelling in the classroom, but taking great interest in basketball. He graduated 2nd in his class of 250 students at Akron North and twice earned all-state honors as a high scoring southpaw with a deadly one handed push shot.
After graduating from Akron North in 1944, Jim was drafted into the army and spent the next 23 months as a radio operator in the
Army Tank Corps in various European countries. After returning to the states in 1946, Jim enrolled at the University of Kentucky to play basketball and study Mechanical Engineering. He would later graduate with a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering and was a member of Tau Beta Pi honors engineering society. In 1951, he was awarded the school’s prestigious Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award in recognition of his community service activities. He later received his certificate of registration to practice as a Professional Engineer (PE).
Jim played on some of Kentucky’s finest teams, winning NCAA Championships in 1947-48 and 1948-49. He was selected as a first 
team All-SEC and 3rd Team All-American in 1950 and finished his career with 1,041 points. After the 1948 NCAA Championship, he was selected as an alternate to accompany the 1948 Olympic team to the games in London. During this trip, he would meet another alternate from the Phillips 66 Oilers, Martin Nash, and his wife Marian. They would later introduce Jim to Marian’s sister, Cheryl Hogue. Jim and Cheryl were united in marriage on December 21, 1952 in Topeka, Kansas.
From this union they were blessed with four children; Meridy, Richard, Steven and Kristy. Jim worked for several oil companies before settling in Russell in 1963, where he eventually became an oil and gas consultant. Jim and 
Cheryl were active members of the United Methodist Church, and various other civic organizations. His activities revolved around watching sports with wife Cheryl, including college basketball (primarily his UK Wildcats), football and the KC Royals.
Surviving family include daughter, Meridy Barnes and husband Jim of Russell, son Richard Line and wife Trudy of Leawood, Kansas, son Steven of Kansas City, Missouri, and daughter Kristy Buyle and husband Mark of Olathe, Kansas, and grandchildren; Stacey (husband Chad Keller), Chad, Connor, Emily, Mallory, Natalie, Andrew, Hallie and great grandchildren, Logan and Landon. Jim was preceded in death by his 
parents, brother George Line, and wife Cheryl.
Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at Trinity United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery where the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 Honor Guard will conduct Military Rites. Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM. A memorial has been established with Trinity United Methodist Church Organ Fund. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, who is in charge of these arrangements.
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