James ‘Jim’ Alve Poterbin

James “Jim” Alve Poterbin, 84, beloved father, grandfather and brother, died Nov. 25, 2012.

Services are at 1 p.m., Dec. 8 at Parkview Christian Church in Sedalia, Mo., with the Rev. Rodney Brown and the Rev. Sam Hinkle officiating. His ashes will be buried with wife, Sarah, at Clinton Memory Gardens in Clinton, Mo., at a private family service.

He was born Jan. 12, 1928, in Kansas City, Kan., to John and Rose Poterbin. He graduated from Bishop Ward High School and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Jim lived and raised his family in the Kansas City, Kan., area. He worked for Union Pacific Railroad for several years, Tobin Construction and General Motors for almost 30 years.

After retirement, Sarah and he moved to Edwards, Mo., and lived there until 2008, when they moved to Sedalia, Mo. In June 2010, Jim moved to Wasilla to be with his daughter, Marian. He was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wasilla.

“Dad loved to stay busy and help others,” his family wrote. “He was a great mechanic, perfectionist painter, meticulous gardener and happiest when he was busy tinkering or fixing something. During his younger days he was always busy working at General Motors, raising kids or working a second job.”

After retirement he spent many years in the community of Arrowhead in the Ozarks taking care of summer homes, volunteering at church, the fire department and community patrol. He assisted family, friends and neighbors to meet whatever needs they might have. He was a devoted Christian, gentleman, wonderful husband and father to 14 children.

Surviving are children, Michael Poterbin and wife Nancy, Judy Chapman and husband Ray, Marian James, Pam Arsenault, Lori Paro, Bill Fellman, Rebecca Dernovish, Crystal Poterbin, Thomas Poterbin and wife Kathy; stepchildren, Jim Butler and wife Kay, Steve Butler and wife Cheryl, Barry Butler and Brad Butler; 33 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; brothers, John and Jerome Poterbin; and sister, Mary Lou Busby.

Preceding him in death was his wife, Sarah Poterbin; stepson, Greg Butler; brother, Joseph Poterbin; mother, Rose McLaughlin; father, John Poterbin; and first wife, Verma Poterbin.

Arrangements were by Valley Funeral Home. An obituary and guestbook are online at alaskanfuneral.com.