James H. "Jim" Bertram, 76, also known as "Big Daddy" passed away on Monday February 4, 2008 at his home in Patoka, IN.

He retired after 34 years as a maintenance way foreman for Norfolk-Southern Railroad. Jim was a member of the Columbia Masonic Lodge #450 in Patoka and was active in the former Patoka Lions Club. He was a member of the Gibson County Shrine Club. He was a member of the Hadi Shrine Temple of Evansville where he helped transport children to the Shriners Hospital and was active in their motor patrol. He also was a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Evansville and the Swords of Bunker Hill. 

He was born on October 22, 1931 in Monticello, KY to Jimmie & Ina (Brown) Bertram, both deceased. Also preceding him in death were his two sisters, Barbara & Lexi Bertram. 

Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years, Evelyn Bertram of Patoka; 3 daughters and sons-in-law, Mary Ina & Wayne Coody of Madison, FL, Faye & Allen Mayhall of Frankfort, KY, and Carolyn "Sue" & Raymond White of Patoka; 1 son, Junior Bertram of Patoka and his special friend, Cheri Sweeney; 18 grandchildren; several great grandchildren and a few great great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Ed (Ora) Bertram of Stockland, IL and P.H. Bertram of Sheldon, IL. 

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday February 7, 2008 at the Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton with the Rev. William Morris officiating. Burial will be at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Patoka.

Friends may visit from 4 until 8 PM on Wednesday at the funeral home. There will be a Masonic Service at 7 PM on Wednesday evening at the funeral home.