James Martin "Jimmie" Bloom, Sr., age 94, of Oakley, passed away on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at the Hospice House, Ottumwa, Iowa. He was born on October 12, 1921 in Seneca, Nemaha County, Kansas to Marl Sylvester and Maysel Daisy (Johnstone) Bloom. Jimmie married Florence Opal Fink on December 24, 1947 in Oakley. He was an auctioneer, farmer, realtor, and a bulk oil businessman.

Preceded in death by his wife, Florence, son, Pastor Jamie Bloom, Jr., grandson, R.D. Ruppe, brother, John "Buddy" Bloom, and six sisters: Clara Flipse, Helen Mannen, Mary Smith, Mamie Dietrich, Elsie May Cox, and Daisy Robben.

Survivors: his son, Ron of Tucson, AZ, daughter, Marthana (Byron) Newland of Ottumwa, IA, and daughter-in-law, Genelle Bloom of Oakley; twelve grandchildren, twenty one great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

Funeral service: 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at Gateway Fellowship, Oakley with Pastor Kyle Bloom officiating. Interment will be in the Oakley Cemetery. Visitation: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Gateway Fellowship. Memorials: Gateway Fellowship and Hospice Services-Davis and Wapello Counties, Iowa, in care of Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, P.O. Box 221, Oakley 67748. Condolences: www.kennedykosterfh.com.

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The world has lost one of its most wonderful and humble men of God. James "Jimmie" Martin Bloom Sr. met face to face with his Savior, Jesus Christ on November 11, 2015 at Hospice in Ottumwa, IA, and was reunited with the love of his life, Florence, and with his beloved son, Jamie.

Jimmie was born on October 12, 1921 to Marl Sylvester and Maysel Daisy Johnstone Bloom in Nemaha County, KS. The family moved to the Campus, KS area when he was 4 years old. It was at this time he was involved in a farm accident and his left hand was amputated. He attended the Hackberry School in Gove County and graduated from Oakley High School in 1940.

He began his auctioneer career by selling his first item, a pair of pliers, for $1.00 at the age of 5. His first true auction was at the age of 11 when he helped his father in his auction business: M.S. Bloom and Sons. He also was involved during high school with selling jack rabbits to Dr. Hauser (a veterinarian) at Grainfield. He worked for the Skelly Oil Company at this time which led him to become the owner of his own Bulk Oil Business which he owned during the 40's and 50's.

In 1947 he fell deeply in love with Florence Fink and they were married on December 24, 1947 in Oakley, Kansas. Florence brought to this marriage two children, Ron and Marthana, and Jimmie loved them as his own. They became the parents to their son, Jamie, in 1953. They lived their entire life together on Price Avenue in Oakley, except the one year when the family moved to Elkader, Kansas where they ranched and lived in a chalk house.

The most important thing that happened in both Jimmie's and Florence's lives was their decision to follow Jesus Christ as their Savior. This took place at the Oakley Community Full Gospel Church (now Gateway Fellowship) in 1948. From this point forward they were both totally devoted to God and to the local church. Jimmie served as a deacon, Sunday school superintendent, bus driver, and the church treasurer for many years. It is a known fact now that unbeknownst to the congregation, he would make up the difference for many years when the congregation could not make the budget. He loved world missions and gave generously his entire life. He and Florence were hosts to countless numbers of pastors, evangelists, and missionaries. He was also a long-time member of the Gideon's International.

Jimmie was auctioneer at the sale barns in Oakley, Colby, Quinter, Leoti, Dighton, Hill City, and Plainville. Also, he was in partnership with his brother, John "Buddy", which was called Bloom Sales. Both their wives were involved in the business. (It's too bad that there isn't a full count of the multitude of farm sales they conducted). He sold his last auctioneer sale when he was 88 years old. For the vast majority of his life, he farmed and ranched a full section of land near Campus, KS, as well as owning real estate property in and around Oakley. He was also a realtor. He also sold his last realty sale when he was 88 years old. Before he had his stroke in 2012, he had the greatest time managing the car wash that was owned by Dr. Josh Gooden. This helped fill his days after his wife of 59 years died.

Some of the words spoken about him by his grandchildren: "He never met a stranger and fiercely loved his family and His God. Witty, faithful, servant. "Famous", loyal, very giving, honorable, firm and strong. Everyone that came into contact with him loved him immediately. "Patient and kind and always thankful for everything he had". The family was able to read these words to him in his last moments on this earth.

His last 2 ½ years were spent living with his daughter and family in Ottumwa, Iowa, but always longed to back in "God's Country". Well, he has arrived!

Jimmie is survived by his son, Ron Bloom of Tucson, AZ; and daughter, Marthana Newland and husband Byron, of Ottumwa, IA and daughter-in-law Genelle Bloom, of Oakley, KS; a sister, Arista (Bee) Marion of Phoenix, AZ; brother-in-law, Joe Robben of Sharon Springs, KS. Surviving grandchildren are: Kathaleen (Mike) Hervey, Karlene (David) Dollins, Lance (Lindsey), Ryan Bloom, Kari Bloom, Kyle (Brandi) Bloom, Kael (Sara) Bloom, Janae (Ethan) Kammer, Don (Karen) Ruppe, Darlene (Mark) Montgomery, and Terry (Ferran) Ruppe, and Veronica Ruppe; 21 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Also, many nephews and nieces and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his wife, Florence, son, Pastor Jamie Bloom, Jr.; grandson, R.D. Ruppe, 1 brother, John "Buddy" Bloom, and 6 sisters; Clara Flipse, Helen Mannen, Mary Smith, Mamie Dietrich, Elsie May Cox, & Daisy Robben.

Jimmie's Memorial Service will be Wednesday, November 18th at 10:00 a.m. at Gateway Fellowship in Oakley, KS. The visitation is Tuesday, November 17th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Memorials may be given to Gateway Fellowship and Hospice serving Davis and Wapello Counties, Ottumwa, IA. and sent in care of: Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, P.O. Box 221, Oakley Ks 67748. Condolences at www.kennedykosterfh.com.