James William Cline

Father, farmer, fisherman, formidable Mr. Fix-It or Fabricate-It-Yourselfer best describe James William Cline. Guided by traditional principles that embraced the spirit of “live off the land” and “lend a hand,” he lacked patience for those who didn’t work hard, or for those who didn’t respect the ones who did—especially when it came to providing for the basic necessities of life. As a rice, soybean, and cattle farmer in the late 1960s to early ‘80s, his lessons in etiquette didn't fixate on which fork to use with your salad, and included broader directives like “don’t criticize farmers with your mouth full” and “mind your manners and your own business.”  As many from Southwest Louisiana do, he spent a portion of his career in the Gulf of Mexico’s drilling fields. While he occasionally enjoyed fantasizing about expensive cars and boats, he spent too much of his time working to extract the fuel that allowed others to drive the fancy engines to ever enjoy owning one for himself—doing his part to both feed and fuel a nation as well as his family extracted most of the personal resources of his youth. Prior to retirement, he followed his entrepreneurial instincts and combined his Protestant work ethic (hard work, discipline, and frugality) with his gifted green-thumb and opened “The Gardner”—a successful family-run commercial and residential landscaping business. In retirement he enjoyed working in his welding shop where he crafted fixtures and furniture. He loved fishing, hunting, gardening and preparing or preserving the fruits of his labor with his wife and partner Cheri at his side. He lived the majority of his life in the rural community of Welsh, Louisiana, and died on the evening of July 1, 2019 at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital following an extended illness.

Born September 11, 1940 to Mary Lena and John Hill Cline, he is survived by his wife Cheri Lee Cline, his mother-in-law Barbara Hartleigh and brother-in-law Ralph Hartleigh, and siblings John Hill Cline, Jr. and his wife Adda, and Mary Cline Dasch and her husband Lionel. Through his marriage to Suzanne Watkins Stringer, he leaves behind five children (and spouses): Rachel Cline Robertson (Stuart), Nancy Cline (Hubert Todd Broussard, deceased), Ruth Cline Fruge (Chester), Paul Cline (Angie Pousson), and Evelyn Cline Fruge (Marlan). He was the proud grandfather of 12 grandchildren (and spouses): Courtland Monks, Chase Fruge (Regan Troutman), Casey Fruge Curry (Clay), Cody Fruge, Candi LaCombe (Josh), Jency Frey (Blake), Alex Cline, Ann Marie Cline, Chris Fruge, Chantler Fruge (deceased), Cady Fruge, and Courtney Roy (Rockie). He was especially proud of his 7 great-grandchildren: Ross William Fruge, Elijah Fruge, Hayes Frey, Charlie Davis, Camden and Jovie Roy, and the newest member, Corbin Curry. He also delighted in his role of “Uncle Jimmy” to many extended nieces and nephews and their children.

A memorial service in his hometown will be planned in the coming weeks. “In Lieu of Flowers” contributions can be made to the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home at https://www.lmch.org