James Edward Courts

James E. Courts, age 74, of Columbus went home to his Savior, Jesus Christ, Friday, March 26, 2021 surrounded by his family.

He was born May 14, 1946. He attended Sonshine Mission.

Preceded in death by wife, Arla J. Courts; father, Russell Courts; mother, Josephine Courts, who passed away the same day; son, James E. Courts Jr.; grandson, Jeffrey A. Goolsby Jr.; sister, Patricia; brothers Russell Jr., Joseph, Gerald, and Larry; multiple aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and in-laws.

Survived by daughter, Janice (Jeffrey) Goolsby; granddaughter, Jennifer (Kevin) Goolsby-Clay; daughter-in-law, Cheriolyn Courts; 3 step-grandchildren, 11 step-great-grandchildren, and one step-great-great-grandson; sisters, Donna Dennison, Frances Kennison, and Karen (Robert) Cullen; brothers, William (Kay) Courts and Jack Courts; brother-in-law, Keith (Judy) Moore; multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins; and family friend, Juanita Stainer.

James, “Jim” or “Butch” to his family and friends, worked doing roofing with his father, Knapp’s Hauling, Cash Can, Plaskolite and as a Correction Officer with the State of Ohio, where he retired from in 2011. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, listening to music, singing, watching reruns of Gunsmoke and The Lone Ranger, working on cars, and spending time with family, friends, and his furry companions, Snowball, Harry, Ghibli, Wendy, and Otis. He was a loving and devoted family man. He was always there, through the good times and bad. He will be sorely missed.

Private arrangements with the family by Cook & Son-Pallay Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

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