James Paul Sale

Mr. James (Jim) Paul Sale, 88, March 28, 1925 - December 31, 2013 Born March 28th, 1925 in southeast Kansas, Jim was the only son of James and Lola Sale. He lived and worked on farms near Girard and Pittsburg Kansas during his entire childhood. As an active member of the local 4H Club, Jim raised show cattle and competed in numerous events. Jim served as a radio operator aboard the USS Eldorado during World War II. The USS Eldorado was the flagship of the Amphibious Forces of the Pacific. Jim and his fellow shipmates served as the operations center for the assault and occupation of Iwo Jima in February and March of 1945 and the invasion and occupation of Okinawa Gunto, in April and May of 1945. After the war, Jim returned to Pittsburg Kansas, where he worked at Grant's department store. A few years later, he was soon transferred to Topeka. While working at Grant's, he met the love of his life, Anne Schiefelbein. On April 25, 1945, Jim and Ann were married in St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Topeka. In the early 1950's Jim moved to Houston Texas, where he worked as a loan officer for Lane Finance. A few years later, he moved to El Paso Texas to be the manager for the local branch of Lane Finance. He remained with Lane Finance until his retirement in 1990. Jim was a talented semi-professional bowler, and in 1965 rolled a perfect 300 game, at a time when perfect games were very rare. His accomplishment was honored on the bowling center's marquee, and he was awarded a diamond ring by the American Bowling Congress. He and his son enjoyed building model airplanes and rockets, and astronomy. They also built motors for model racing cars which was a pastime they also enjoyed. During the 1990's, Jim and Ann traveled around the country in their motor home, and in 1995 moved back to Topeka Kansas, where he had easy access to Lake Shawnee where he could enjoy his favorite pastime - fishing. Survivors include his son, James Joseph Sale of Carrollton Texas, and a sister, Margaret Wheat of Pittsburg Kansas. He was preceded in death by Ann, his wife of 63 years, and a sister, Mildred. Instead of flowers, the family would prefer memorial contributions to be made to Midland Hospice Care of Topeka, and sent in care of Brennan Mathena Funeral Home 800 SW 6th Avenue. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 11th. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 11th, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. Inurnment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery with military honors provided.