Jon "Jamie" Joseph

Jon "Jamie" Joseph, 56, of Columbia City, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at his work. Born March 17, 1964 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, he was the youngest child of Charles F. and Vivian M. (Strebig) Joseph.

Growing up in Fort Wayne, he was an adventurous kid who enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. Jon graduated from Northside High School with the Class of 1983 and served in the Army National Guard. While on a white-water rafting adventure in West Virginia, Jon met Dena Ellenwood who was from Michigan. The two would be married on April 20, 1996 in Fort Wayne. They would expand their family and welcome four children into their hearts and home over the next several years, Maxwell, Samuel, Lilly and Clarice.

Jon started his work career off as a tool and die maker and ran the manufacturing at ACS for 10 years before starting his own business. At the age of 30, he founded Acme Industrial and Machine and sold the business in 2007. The year prior he took over ownership of Starlight Instruments who he already was manufacturing parts for. Jon would expand the business and move it to Columbia City, and they were known for their Feather Touch Focuser.

Family meant the most to Jon. He cherished time with his family and was always there to support his children as they swam and getting them into mountain bike racing. He took them camping along with a yearly trip to Muskegon State Park in Michigan and many family vacations. He was working on turning an off the grid spot in the Ozark’s into a place where his family could enjoy plus invite clients and other friends he made over the years star watching. Jon had been a Shriner and raced motorcycles. Along with camping, he also enjoyed fishing, shooting and collecting guns and large equipment.

Jon could pick up and learn things easily. He was caring, loving, smart, quick witted, and had a quirky sense of humor. It was easy for him to make other’s laugh and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Dena Joseph; children, Maxwell Joseph, Samuel Joseph, Lilly Joseph and Clarice Joseph; sisters, Jennifer Joseph and Marilyn (Jim) Norvill; brother, Charles L. (Margaret) Joseph; niece, Leah Norris; and nephews, Brian Joseph and Jared Joseph. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be 2 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 1, 2021 at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Face masks are required for attendance. Due to the current Covid Restrictions, there will be a private service, but it may be watched live on Facebook through DeMoney Grimes Live at 10 a.m. Tuesday with Funeral Celebrant Sharon Brockhaus officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made toward the children's education fund, in care of Dena Joseph. Visit www.DeMoneyGrimes.com to send Jon's family online condolences or sign the online guest book.