Robert Lee Jim Eisenbise

Robert Lee Jim Eisenbise, 85, Kingsport, TN, passed away Sunday, June 24, 2012 at his residence. He was born in Sebetha, Kansas on March 10, 1927 to Vesta and Sherman Eisenbise. Immediately after graduating from Atchison High School, he served his country in the Army during World War II. While enlisted, he sharpened his natural engineering/mechanical interests and abilities, rising to the rank of T5 as part of the 43rd Army Engineers. Returning home after the war, Jim became a member of the Atchison Fire Department for four years and later worked as a mechanic for Trans World Airlines in Kansas City for four years. In 1954, he became a member of the Atchison police department. Jim was a homicide detective in Kansas City during his early career. Always a great story-teller with a keen memory and wit, some of his more colorful stories involved his training and graduation from the Kansas City College of Mortuary Science where he gained knowledge that enhanced his job of detective.

Jim was the father of six children. In 1956 he received the honor of being selected as Father of the Year for the northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas region. During those years, he also produced and starred in a popular local children's television show, Big Jim and His Little Deputies. Being a magician, professional clown and ventriloquist, he entertained and educated children and their parents about safety issues.

Jim and his family moved to Kingsport in 1963 to assume the job of Director of Public Safety for the City of Kingsport. In this role, he oversaw the work of the Kingsport Fire Department and Police Department, traffic engineering and juvenile corrections. He always took an interest in his employees and their families, making many friends and influencing lives with his generosity and kindness. He retired from the City of Kingsport in 1987 from the position of Risk Manager.

One of his enduring accomplishments was his work to start the agency that is now Contact Concern. He always enjoyed the activities of his own children and worked with the youth at Mafair and Stone Drive United Methodist Churchs. The products of Jim's woodworking hobby and his active participation in each community where he resided will live on. His wooden toys, grandfather clocks and other creations were both a source of income "to send his children to college" and enjoyment as anonymous gifts to church nurseries and those in need. His five children who survived into adulthood have achieved successful professional careers in teaching, engineering and accounting. He was very proud of all of them, as well as his step-daughter and grandchildren.

In 1986, he married Wanda Bramblett Howard, a widow who had moved to Kingsport to be near her daughter and her family. They enjoyed life after Jim's retirement traveling and doing "simple things" with family and friends. A 20 year survivor of cancer until the latest occurrence that began in 2010, Jim, along with Wanda, worked through the Cancer Support Group at Holston Valley Medical Center for many years to encourage other cancer patients. Along with his story, He gave away innumerable pins that contained a tiny mustard seed and offered the challenge to have the faith for recovery symbolized by the mustard seed as told in the Bible by Jesus.

After his marriage to Wanda, he joined her in attending First Baptist Church where he served on various committees, especially enjoying his work as "de facto chairman of the hugging committee". In recent years, Jim had enjoyed a return to his Methodist tradition in worshiping at First Broad Street United Methodist Churches. Jim was a Mason for over 60 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant son David James Eisenbise.

Jim is survived by his wife, Wanda and children, Michael Eisenbise Denise of League City, Tex., Patricia Jim Cole of Gardiner, Mont., Debbie Miller of Independence, Kans., Mark Eisenbise Robin of Hixson, Tenn., Pam Lipscomb of Lawrenceburg, Tenn.,; and his step-daughter, Susan Howard LaGuardia Tom of Kingsport. He also leaves his grandchildren, Joe Eisenbise, and Bill Eisenbise Kim of Orlanda, Fla., Tiffany Eisenbise of Atlanta, Ga., Travis Eisenbise of Brooklyn, NY., Beth LaGuardia Cooper Chuck of Oakton, Va., and Tom LaGuardia, IV of Kingsport; as well as his great-grandchildren, Austin and Sara LaGuardia of Simpsonville, S.C., and Sydney Cooper of Oakton, Va., and his sister, Donna Tate of Lee's Summit, Mo. and her son and daughter.

His faith in the Lord was strong to the end, and he continued to be an inspiration and help to others. His family and friends will greatly miss him.

Graveside services will be conducted on Wednesday, June 27th at 2:00 pm at Mountain Home National Cemetery with Rev. Mickey Rainwater and Rev. Mitchell M. Whisnant officiating.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 27th from 4-6:00 pm at Hamlett-Dobson, Kingsport.

Pallbearers will be Mark Eisenbise, Travis Eisenbise, Tom LaGuardia, III, Tom LaGuardia, IV, Austin LaGuardia, Bill Eisenbise, Joe Eisenbise and Nelden Chuck McCort.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 in honor of their successful cancer care of his grandson Travis as a child, to the Christine LaGuardia Phillips Cancer Center at Holston Valley Medical Center, 130 W. Ravine St., Kingsport, TN 37660 or to a church or charity of one's choice.