Norman James Joy

Norman J. Joy, age 78, of Columbia City, IN, passed away peacefully at 10:40 am on Sunday March 31, 2024, at home with his wife by his side.  Born on December 15, 1945, in Muncie, he was the son of Norman Harding and Alma (Wigmore) Joy.

Norman attended Richmond High School before joining the Air Force and serving in Vietnam. While in high school he was a state handball champion.  Norman owned and operated Taylor Blackburn & Joy Battery for several years before he sold the company to East Penn Manufacturing.  He became the district manager of the battery manufacturing plant until his retirement with over 40 years of service.

On April 6, 2002, he married Pam Johnson in Columbia City.

Norman was an avid fisherman whether casting into his own pond or on a deep sea adventure.  He loved wildlife of all kinds and had a soft spot for any injured or stray creature he came across.  Norman enjoyed sharing his love of boats, ATVs, motorcycles, and go-karts with his children as they grew up and never missed a grandchild’s birthday.

Survivors include his wife Pam Joy of Columbia City; children Alletah Susanne (Patrick) Ganino of Madison, CT and Christian James (Allison) Joy of Columbia City; step-children Micheal (Chelsea) Darrach of British Columbia, Canada, Matthew (Cheryl) Darrach, Morgan (Monica) Darrach, and Nicole Darrach, all of Alberta, Canada; grandchildren Lauren, Carter, Colson, Hadley, Everly, Isla, and Karis; several step-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother Alma Louise Joy and daughter Robin Alletah Joy.

A private family service will be held for Norman’s family.

Memorial contributions in memory of Norman may be made to Whitley County Humane Society.

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