James Lewis Rumble
His family and community are absolutely devastated their Heavenly Father chose someone they love so dearly to join him in heaven.
James Lewis Rumble, 77, of Greensboro, left his loved ones to begin his journey with God Friday, October 26, 2018, but not before negotiating for an air conditioned tractor cab for his journey and a good cup of coffee with pie and ice cream when he arrived.
Rumble made his grand entrance into this world June 3, 1941, and was raised in Dilliner. He was always a proud son of the late John and Mary Cagey Rumble Zaher, parents whom he adored and had so much love for.
A 1959 graduate of Mapletown High School, Rumble was a very active and well-known member of his community. He was very humble and shied away at recognition for his efforts and accomplishments. He was known for always being available to anyone in need and never turning anyone away. He helped several local and distant business owners get their start and never wanted anything but for them to be successful and give back to the community in return.
As a young boy, Rumble always worked. He held jobs throughout his middle school and high school days with Gugliotta Busing, Wolf’s Cemetery and Bobtown school. He was also very proud of his many years as an Eagle Scout.
After high school, he worked for Atlas Railroad, before starting his own adventures. He began working for Laurita Companies at age 15 and remained lifelong friends with the family.
He spent his life owning and operating trucking companies and surface mines, most notably Rumble Trucking, Rumble Coal and Greensboro Coal. He was once known for owning the finest fleet of trucks in the area.
He was never afraid to take a risk or try new things, and proved that several times through his many business adventures and hobbies with over-the-road truck driving, gas and oil well drilling, farming, raising cattle and horses, gardening and selling trailer loads of watermelons and furniture. Before starting a family, he was an avid fisherman. Rumble spent his free time watching Westerns, specifically John Wayne movies.
A lifelong member of Mapletown United Methodist Church, Jim was also a former member of Greensboro Volunteer Fire Department, Greensboro Veterans of Foreign Wars, Bobtown Polish Club and Bobtown Rod and Gun Club.
Rumble was a staunch supporter of American soldiers and veterans.
Rumble served on Southeastern Greene School Board, Cornerstone Care Board and was a Democratic committeeman for many years. He was a founding father of Greensboro Monongahela Township Joint Sewage Authority and served on the board, as a member and as chairman for more than 25 years. Rumble served as a Monongahela Township supervisor for six years, mostly as chairman of the board.
Rumble always got a deep pleasure from helping others and spending time with family and friends. He could frequently be found sitting with random customers at The Ice Plant Restaurant, talking with them and telling stories. “Rumble-isms” have been the highlight of many conversations over the years and will continue to put smiles on his loved ones’ faces as they tell his stories many times over. He held a vast amount of knowledge and expertise and had the skills and talents to carry it out. His knowledge of all the best places to enjoy “a good cup of coffee,” from coast to coast, was vast.
Jim cherished his wife of 58 years, Joann Buttermore Rumble, and was the loving father of four children, of whom he was so very proud, Lisa Miller (Curt), Michael Rumble (Andrea), Sheri Jordan Garlick and Bobbi Neighbors (Scott). Also surviving are six grandchildren, Michael “The Babe” Rumble, Alexandra “Lexie” Miller, Tyler “Tybo” Rumble, Baylie “Babydoll” Brandenburg, Jonathan “Big Bad Jon” Miller and Paytyn “Pay Pay” Neel.
Rumble’s beloved dog, Toby, misses him terribly.
Rumble had two sisters, Joan Brown and husband Jack of Monroeville and the late Lucille Bate and her husband, the late Tom Bate. He also had two brothers who were waiting for him in heaven, the late John Zaher Jr. and Louis (Toni) Zaher.
Rumble had a special relationship with his father-in-law, the late James Buttermore, and his mother-in-law, the late Mary Buttermore.
Rumble is also survived by and dearly loved by his sisters-in-law, Bertha Fisher, Rosemary (Ed) Helmick, Nancy (Mike Martin) Baily and Vickie (Sam Williams) Wade, and his brothers-in-law, Jim (Becky) Buttermore, Rick Buttermore and David Buttermore.
He had a special nephew, Tommy Baily, who made his home with the Rumbles.
Rumble also had two very special friends, Rick Jordan and Dakota Swearingen.
Rumble loved his many nieces and nephews.
His Masontown Amedisys team, especially Sara, Krystal, Melissa, Kim, Beth and Pastor Dave, provided Rumble and his family with great care.
Rumble has a large number of family and friends who think the world of him and love him very much. Rumble will be sorely missed.
Please join his loved ones in dignifying his well-lived, purposeful and meaningful life from 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, October 30, in Mapletown United Methodist Church, 926 Mapletown Road, Greensboro. All will gather with Elder Jerry Shiflett and Pastor David McElroy at 6 p.m. for a time to reminisce and memorialize Rumble’s beautiful, blessed and accomplished life.
Arrangements are in the care of Richard R. Herod Funeral Home, Point Marion, Philip S. Rishel, director. www.herod-rishel.com