James "Jim" Stone passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 in Fort Branch.

Born on November 23,1921 in Fort Branch, Jim was the youngest son of Luther and Hazel Stone.

He was a U.S. Army veteran and served three years in Italy and North Africa during WWII. He was very proud to have served his country during this period from 1942 to 1945 and was awarded two Bronze Stars. He was a charter member of the Fort Branch VFW Post #2714 and a member of the Haubstadt American Legion.

He returned from the war and worked as a mechanic at Wright Motors in Fort Branch and Weiss Motors in Haubstadt. He then joined the Fort Branch Postal Service as the first city carrier and retired in 1975 as a rural mail carrier.

He owned and operated Stone's Gun & Knife Shop in Fort Branch. Many tri-state customers valued his gunsmith expertise and his vast knowledge of this business.

His most treasured times were spent with his family. He was so proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They will always carry memories of “Pop’s” wonderful stories, humor, love, patience and work ethic. He was a loyal St. Louis Cardinal fan, but also enjoyed following all of the sports in which his grandchildren were involved.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ruth Stone; three children, James "Mick" Stone (Ginny), Janice Ostrander of Fort Branch and Judi (Garry) Morgan of Haubstadt; six grandchildren, including Heather (Dan) Bonham of Bloomington, IN, Nathan (Mary) Stone of Fort Branch, Nancy (Chris) Leuer, Carlsbad, CA, Sara Ostrander, Chicago, IL, Jill (John) Kaminski, Canton, OH; Matthew (Shannon) Morgan, Haubstadt, IN; and three great-grandchildren Jeremy Williams; Jack Bonham and Natalie Bonham all of Bloomington, IN; and a fourth great-grandchild, Baby Leuer, due on his birthday.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Lawrence Stone and Joe Stone of Fort Branch.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday July 26, 2008 at the Stodghill Funeral Home, 500 E. Park Street, Fort Branch, IN.

Visitation will be on Friday, July 25, from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Walnut Hill Cemetery, Fort Branch, IN.. Military services will be conducted by VFW Post #2714 and American Legion Post #194.