Dr. Noble James Main (Jim) was born on December 27, 1929, and passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at the home of his daughter in Tipton, Missouri. He was surrounded by his children and their spouses singing hymns as he left for heaven.
Jim was born in Moravia, Iowa to Forrest and Doris Main. He taught public school music in Moravia, Iowa; Green Mountain, Iowa, and Oskaloosa, Iowa. His career led him to Bethany Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma as a professor of vocal music and choir director. Later, he was part of the founding faculty of Mid-America Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas and spent time serving at European Nazarene Bible College in Busingen, Germany.
Jim was an excellent vocalist, pianist, and choir director who traveled with choirs and ensembles across the United States and Europe.
Jim enjoyed music, animals, reading, and playing board games.
Jim was married to Elaine Kathryn Medrud in 1951. She preceded him in death in 1994. They had three children: Jolaine Price (Randy) and children Ryan (Liisa) and Aryn; Dan Main (Jacque) and children Jay Main (Courtney) with Jozzlyn, Jaydan and Coen and Justin Main (Kelsey) with Lochlan and Breckyn; Doug Main (Terri) and children Lauren and Royce.
Later, Jim married Maureen McNaughton who passed away in September of 2014. Maureen's survivors are Doug Wheeler (Susie) with Justin and Kayla; Brad Wheeler, Trisha Wheeler with Cheyenne, Savannah, Sheridan, Bannack, and Brennan.
He was preceded in death by a brother, John Main; and a sister, Rosemary Strunk. He is survived by a brother, Jerry Main (Sharron) and two sisters, Roberta Gaudry, and Carol Martin (Ken).
A special thank you is given to Hospice workers and caregivers in Arizona and Missouri who have contributed so much to Jim's final months.
Visitation will be on Sunday, December 7, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home in Olathe, Kansas.
The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 8, at College Church of the Nazarene in Olathe, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the N. James and Elaine K. Main Memorial Scholarship fund at Mid-America Nazarene University (913-782-3750)