James Flint

James Stephen Flint was born to goodly parents, Allen Hatch Flint and Estel Evelyn Turpin, on February 11, 1945. Jim thrived in the rural farming community of Bellflower, IL. He learned the importance of a strong work ethic and a love of agriculture in his youth. He would weed the soybean fields with his brother, Dick. He was a proud member of the 4H and FFA programs.

After graduating from Bellflower High School in 1963, he embarked on a 2-and-a-half-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Belgium and Northern France. He loved the French and Belgian people, culture, and language. His testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ flourished as he served and taught the people of France and Belgium. His mission was a great step in his lifelong journey as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Upon returning to the States, Jim left the Midwest to attend Brigham Young University in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. While he studied accounting, he met and married Karen Louise Hupe for time and all eternity in the LDS Manti, UT Temple. Shortly after graduating from BYU, Jim was drafted into the US Army. He was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany during the Vietnam War. They enjoyed driving a yellow VW Bug along the narrow streets as they visited the wondrous European sites. He wore his army boots for many, many years. He was quiet about his military service. However, his children and grandchildren are proud and grateful to have an Army Veteran in our family. He was a patriot of this great nation.

When Jim completed his military service, he and Karen decided to raise their family in the Midwest. They lived in Louisville and Indianapolis for a short time before settling down in Columbus, IN for 45 years. They found a little house on a hill with a few acres and lots of trees. A perfect spot to raise 7 children and teach them to love nature, God, and family. Jim even bought dairy goats for his kids to raise and give them a taste of the agriculture he loved. He also ensured each kid learned how to drive a stick shift before they could get their driver’s license. Summer Saturdays included extensive yard work, followed by swimming and a picnic at Brown County State Park.

During his childhood, he developed a love of sports and competition through baseball, basketball, and track and field. He passed his passion for sports and competition to his children. He was always excited to watch the Olympics and IU basketball. However, he loved watching his children compete in sports more than anything. He was our biggest supporter in cross country, track, wrestling, and volleyball. He ran many miles while cheering kids on at hundreds of races. He was proud to say he rode his bike to all the neighboring counties of Bartholomew County. Jim rode thousands of miles through the countryside, enjoying views of the crops and colorful foliage. He even accomplished a 100-mile bike race in Milwaukee, WI.

Jim loved being a grandpa. The grandchildren have fond memories of tractor rides and roasting marshmallows with Grandpa. He showed up to support his grandchildren in all their endeavors. He might not have said much, but they knew he cared because he gave his time. He never missed a chance to grab a cookie as an excuse to visit his grandkids.

Jim was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and attended the Columbus 1st ward. He faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher for many years. He faithfully read his scriptures daily. He not only read about Jesus Christ, but he lived as Jesus would want him to live. He served his neighbor. If anyone needed help, they could rely on Jim. He would drop anything to give someone a ride to work, fix a flat tire, or visit them in the hospital. He selflessly drove U.S. veterans to the VA Hospital in Indianapolis. He volunteered many hours serving at the local food bank, Love Chapel. He served in the LDS Bishop’s Storehouse, helping people get food and find employment. He served thousands of hours helping the BSA. Jim was an avid scouter and passed that trait to his sons. He was a proud father as his 3 sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He organized a bike ride, “Tour Du Temple,” for local youth to ride from Columbus, IN to Louisville, KY, and to Carmel, IN. That tradition still continues. Jim will be remembered for living his testimony of Jesus Christ.

Jim was received into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on February 12, 2026. He heard the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” He didn’t get to party on his birthday the day before, so it will be a joyous celebration on his Mom’s birthday on February 15. Dad, we are so happy for you to be able to ride your bike at every gorgeous sunset and to lead the peloton in the Tour de France wearing the yellow jersey.

Jim is survived by his wife, Karen, and his children, Stephen (Tara) Flint, David (Stephanie) Flint, Lisa (Kris) Stumpf, Wendy (Cesar) De Luna, Julie (Tim) Norwood, Heidi (Ben) Eborn, Tim (Chelsea) Flint, and 37 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Estel Flint, and brother, Richard (Dick) Flint.

Condolences: www.randallroberts.com