JAMES E. WOLFE

Always friendly, fun-loving, and outgoing, Jim Wolfe was an easy person to get along with. A stranger to none, it was a joy sharing his company which often proved to be a time of laughter. Jim was a hardworking man who loved his family beyond compare. Gone but never to be forgotten, the memory of Jim lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Jims story began in 1927 at the close of the infamous Roaring Twenties. It was business as usual throughout America with Calvin Coolidge at the helm serving as the 30th President of the U.S. Celebrations were plenty as Charles Lindbergh completed the first historic, nonstop transatlantic flight while work on Mount Rushmore was just getting started. In the close knit community of Columbia City, Indiana, it was indeed a time for celebration when James L. and Zella Doris (Betzner) Wolfe welcomed the birth of their first child, James, born on November 21, 1927.

Eventually a bustling household of seven children, James later welcomed younger siblings, Phillip, Harold, Ronald, William, Jane, and Virginia. As the oldest, James always maintained he got spanked the hardest. As a young boy he found his share of adventure, and mischief, too. From his earliest beginnings, James was an outgoing fellow who could bring a smile to anyone, even on the gloomiest of days. He attended the local schools and went on to graduate from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1945.

As a Veteran of the U.S. Army, Jim faithfully served his country. With his entire life ahead of him, Jim had his sights set on Lois Fisher, a pretty girl he met on a blind date arranged by one of her friends. After going on that fateful date to the movie with Lois, it was only a short time before the two fell deeply in love. On October 26, 1952, he and Lois sealed their love in marriage. They traveled to Cincinnati, Ohio to enjoy a memorable honeymoon, even though they ran into trouble finding their way back to their hotel for a brief time.

Before long, Jim and Lois went on to begin a family of their own. Roger, Randal, and Karen brought much joy to their lives throughout the years. Jim worked hard to support his thriving family, and raised them in faith. They attended Oak Grove Church of God in Columbia City where Jim was a faithful member. By all accounts, Jim was a devoted man to his family whom he cherished. Every summer they looked forward to great family vacations. Over the years Jim loved the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays together, and any time there was cause to enjoy a get-together. He thoroughly enjoyed attending the many birthday parties in the family, and in all honesty, Jim really loved attending as many birthday, graduation, and wedding celebrations as possible.

Jim was dedicated in making a good life for his family and made it a point to continually gain knowledge through on the job training during his working career. He was first employed with United Phone Company in Columbia City as a lineman from 1957-1962, before moving on to Magnavox in Fort Wayne for 18 years from 1962-1980 as an electronic technician. He then worked as an electrician from 1980-1982 with General Electric, also in Fort Wayne. From 1982-1993 Jim served as a lab engineer with United Technologies in Huntington until retiring in 1993 after 10 years of service there.

Lois and Jim enjoyed traveling and went on many trips throughout the years. They spent time in New York City, Washington, D.C., North Dakota, Florida, Nebraska, and most recently, they went to Pigeon Forge last year. During their excursions they took advantage of many timeshare opportunities, attended a rodeo, and when their kids could not go along, Jims brother, sisters, and/or their spouses often joined them.

Jim was a member of the American Legion. He bowled on the United Technologies bowling league for many years, and recently continued to bowl on the Wii at home. He spent his entire life in Columbia City with the exception of two years while living in Fort Wayne.

Above all, Jim was a very caring husband and father. He treasured and loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren dearly. Blessed with many friendships, Jim could always be found sharing his sense of humor and quick wit with those around him, along with a wave hello. Be brought much laughter and love to those who knew and loved him, and for these things and so much more, he will be deeply missed.

James E. Wolfe, 86, of Columbia City, Indiana passed away at 6:21 p.m. Thursday, March 20, 2014 at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana, Fort Wayne. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Lois Wolfe; sons, Roger L. (Carolyn) Wolfe of Winfield, IL and Randal E. (Melodie) Wolfe of Columbia City; daughter, Karen S. (Tim) Becker of Wooster, OH; brother, William E. Wolfe of Gray, KY; sisters, Jane Fuller and Virginia Hughes, both of Warsaw; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Phillip, Harold and Ronald Wolfe.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2014 from 2 to 6 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 24, 2014 at Oak Grove Church of God, 2426 S Raber Rd, Columbia City with calling one hour prior. Rev. Steve Johnson will be officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove (Compton) Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be given in Mr. Wolfe's memory to Oak Grove Church of God. To share a favorite memory or photo of Jim and to sign his online guest book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com .