JAMES OSCAR PEPPLER

James Oscar "The Blade" Peppler, 76, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 12:07 p.m. Saturday, September 26, 2009 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. Born on May 29, 1933 in Fort Wayne, IN he was the son of Gearheart and Carolyn Peppler.He graduated from South Side High School with the Class of 1951 and then attended American Optical. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. A Fort Wayne native, he worked at Cunningham Optical and Lounge Optical. In 1978, he moved to Columbia City where he started Columbia Optical. He married Belinda "Lynn" M. Long on December 1, 1984 at Faith Lutheran Church, Churubusco. After selling Columbia Optical, he continued working at Fort Wayne Optical and their lab in Wabash, IN. His memberships included Zion Lutheran Church and Tri Lakes Lion Club. In his spare time, he had a passion for running, participating in 27 marathons.Survivors include his wife, Belinda "Lynn" M. Peppler of Columbia City; sons, Brandon L. (Laura) Maley and Aaron J. Peppler both of Columbia City; 3 grandchildren, Ayden L. Maley, Anna M. Peppler and Alona L. Maley all of Columbia City; several nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Roger Long of Columbia City. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Janlynn K. Peppler and 1 sister.Visitation is from 2-8 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2009 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Funeral service is at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 2, 2009 at the funeral home with Pastor Lane Burgland, of Faith Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will follow at South Park Annex Cemetery, Columbia City. Memorial bequests may be given in memory of Mr. Peppler to Faith Lutheran Church, Churubusco or the Peppler Grandchildren's Educational Fund. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to leave condolences or sign the guest register. Click here to view video tribute**Video may take up to 2 minutes to load.