CASTLE, James (Jim) Edward, Sr.

Greenwood Memory Lawn Mortuary, Phoenix, Arizona James Edward Castle Sr. was born December 30th, 1921 in Douglas, AZ to James Emmett (a mining engineer) and Ana Maria Castle. He joined his wife, Elna, of 65 years 31 days after her passing, keeping his promise to his children that he would see Mother to Heaven before he himself went there. From Jim making sure to give Mother her morning kiss every day to Mother raising up from her couch to check on Daddy in his recliner, the two cared for one another to the very end. This was made possible by the love and devotion of their 5 children: Jim Jr.; Sandy (Larry Majors); Vicki; Nancy (Luther Morgan); and Elizabeth. It was the children's promise to both parents to keep them together in their own home on Mitchell where they spent their lives raising their family and making memories. Jim was born the third of eight children: Everett; Grace; Jim; Alex; Sydney; Robert Charlie; and Frankie. Jim was the only child born in the United States. The rest of his siblings were born in Chihuahua, Mexico. He is survived by his brother Robert. As a young, high school boy, under his dad's pen name, "James Cooley," Jim typed and illustrated the pages of his father's books: "Horticulture," "Animal Life," and "Plant Life." At the age of 14, Jim began boxing at Fox Theater on 18th St. and Van Buren. "Rocky Ford," his fighting name in the ring, trained and competed at Madison Square Garden and went on to win the title, "Golden Gloves of the Four-Corner States," with a record of 102 wins and 1 loss. While training for the National Championships in New York City in the early 1940's, Jim enlisted in the Navy. He served as a submariner during World War II. While on leave he married the love of his life, Elna. Jim even earned the title as champion of his weight division in his submarine fleet. After the war, Jim returned home to begin his thirty-seven year career at Hydro Conduit as a production superintendant. He also served as auditor for the laborer's union, Local 383, for 25 years. Jim served as a labor union representative to the Hispanic community.. Known by many as the "Straw Boss," Jim used his bilingual skills fighting for equal rights and raising voter awareness among fellow Hispanic workers. Daddy, you returned to celebrate your birthday in Heaven with Mother, keeping your promise that the two of you would be together throughout eternity. We, the family, find comfort in knowing you are with your sweetheart, even though you will be missed deeply by your children, grandchildren (Traci, Jim III, Kelly, Austin, Chris, Shawn, Bill, Nick, Michael and Leanne), and 20 great-grandchildren. Though our hearts are broken, we find peace in knowing Mother and you will always have the last dance together. Until we meet again, our devotion and love to you both. Services will be held Saturday, January 9th, 2010, at 12 noon at Greenwood Memory Lawn, 719 N.27th Ave., Phoenix, AZ, 85009. A reception will follow..