JAMES W. TOMLINSON

James W. Tomlinson, Sr. age 75, of Fort Wayne, IN passed away at 8:45 a.m. March 3, 2011, at North Ridge Village Nursing Home, Albion, IN.Born December 2, 1935 in Allen County, IN, he was the son of Wesley and Amy (Helmes) Tomlinson.

Graduating from Jefferson Center High School with the Class of 1956, he served in the United States Army from 1959 to 1967.On March 2, 1974 he married Ellen Barbara (Genda) Herendeen.He worked at Nisson Infinity, Fort Wayne, as a delivery person.His memberships included American Legion Post #330, New Haven, Gold Wing Road Riders Association and the Fort Wayne Bowling Association.

Survivors include his daughters, Debra (Randy) Dellinger of Columbia City and Shelley (Mark) Mawhorter of Albion; son, Robert Tomlinson of Kendallville; sister, Celia Miller of Fort Wayne; step-sons, Walter (Fran) Herendeen of Angola and John Herendeen of Kendallville; 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 2 step-grandchildren.In addition to his parents and wife, Ellen G. Tomlinson, he was preceded in death by a son, Bill Tomlinson, sister, Amy Jane Suter, and brothers, Edward, John, Wesley & Denzil Tomlinson.

Visitation is Sunday, March 6, 2011 from 2-6 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.Private family burial at the Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne, with the Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard presenting graveside military honors.Memorial gifts may be given in memory of Mr. Tomlinson to a memorial fund with checks payable to DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home.Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.