James "Jim" William Brady

Fun, easy going, kind and laidback were just a few of Jim Brady's characteristics. Jim was a talented singer, a man of faith and always there to help others out. He truly would have given the shirt off his back to help someone else. A Notre Dame football fan and I.U. basketball fan, Jim was a social man who loved his family and friends.

With the minimum hourly rate of 25 cents, 1938 had many events that would change the world forever. The National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, later known as the March of Dimes, founded in January; the popular comic superhero, Superman made his first appearance in April when Action Comics #1 was published, which is considered one of the most valuable comic books ever created and has sold for more than $3 million a copy; the first use of seeing eye dogs occurred; oil was first discovered in Saudi Arabia; and Federal National Mortgage Association "Fannie Mae" was established. These were just a few of the events, but the biggest news of the year for Thomas R. and Martha G. (Enyeart) Brady was the announcement of the birth of their youngest child, James William Brady. He was born on March 6, 1938 in Wabash, Indiana.

Growing up in town allowed for "great adventures" and maybe some mischief for Jim and his friends. At a young age he learned the value of working for things he wanted and began his work career as a paper boy. He did find time and enjoyment by hunting, fishing, playing on the high school football team and singing in the school choir.

After graduating from Wabash High School with the Class of 1956, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served until 1960. He then furthered his education at DeVry University in Chicago and after graduating worked at Radio Shack. Through some friends, Jim met a young lady that would change his life forever. Sandra L. Pavey was from Indianapolis, Indiana and was attending college in Chicago at the time and it was love at first sight. Soon they decided to spend the rest of their lives together and were married six months later on July 31, 1965 at the St. Bernard Roman Catholic Church where Jim had served as an altar boy while growing up.

They lived in Wabash for the first eight years of marriage and welcomed two children into their hearts and home, Tony and Christina. Through his 16-year career with Honeywell, the family moved from Wabash to Cary, Illinois and Charlotte, North Carolina. Jim took a job in 1981 with Shambaugh & Son in Fort Wayne, Indiana and moved to Columbia City. He retired in 2001 as an Application Engineer. Jim and Sandy lived around the Columbia City area a few places, including living at New Lake northwest of town before moving back into town five years ago.

Jim enjoyed traveling with his family and taking his children camping, hiking, vacations to Florida and visiting his brother who lived in New York. He loved being outdoors and in nature. Jim stayed active riding his bike to work, going on walks with his dogs, fishing, kayaking and it was not uncommon to spot him swimming across the lake more than once a day. Tending to his vegetable garden brought him great satisfaction knowing his family and friends could enjoy the taste of his hard work. He also was an excellent cook. His family will miss his sugar cream pies and homemade fudge. Being a gifted singer, Jim sang in the choir at his church, St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church along with singing with the Chain-O-Lakes Barbershop Chorus. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Out of everything in Jim's life, nothing meant more to him than his family. He spent 53 wonderful years being married to his best friend, loved his children and adored his grandchildren. Anytime his grandchildren were involved with a sporting event or activity close by, Jim was there to support them. His grandchildren were the reward of a great life he had. He truly loved having his family around and having friends gather. Each year he looked forward to he and Sandy's 4th of July parties.

On Sunday evening, April 28, 2019, Jim's family's and friend's lives changed when hearing the news that he had passed away. James "Jim" Brady, 81, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away peacefully at his home at 8:00 p.m. He is survived by his wife, Sandy Brady; son, Tony (Valarie) Brady, of Columbia City; daughter, Christi Konow, of Fort Wayne; brother, Jerry (Sharon) Brady, of Kokomo; and eight grandchildren, Jaycob Lonsbury, Zane Konow, Natalie Konow, Zach Lonsbury, Chloe Konow, Amelia Konow, Molly Brady and Madelyn Brady. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, David Brady.

A gathering of family and friends will be 1:30- 5 p.m. Sunday, May 5, 2019 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City with a Rosary Prayer Service beginning at 1 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 315 S Line St, Columbia City. Burial to follow at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be given in his memory to the church, Humane Society of Whitley County or Wounded Warrior Project. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send his family condolences online.