Submitted by: Dan Rich

 

James E. Sanders

Jan. 28, 1930 - July 22, 2008

 

South Bend Tribune 7/24/2008
MISHAWAKA - James E. Sanders, 78, died July 22, 2008 in Elkhart General Hospital. He was born in Jasper County Indiana on January 28, 1920 to Arlie and Jesse (Spriggs) Sanders who preceded him in death. He had been a patient of Riverside Village Nursing Home for two months. Jim married Nina Guise on November 15, 1953. She survives along with four children; Michael A. (Julie Lindstrom) Sanders, Jerry (Teresa) Sanders both of Osceola, Jane A. Sanders of Mishawaka and Lisa (Dan) Dallich of Osceola. A beautiful daughter Susan preceded Jim in death in March 1989. Also nine grandchildren; Melissa Sanders, Ryan Sanders, Robert (Sanders) Coop, Michael James Sanders, Jayme Sanders, Katie Sanders, Adam Dallich, Lucy Dallich and Celia Dallich; two step grandchildren, Tracy Gennicks and Richard Stout and 10 great grandchildren. Jim is also survived by his last sister Catherine Hochstetler of Nappanee and a brother-in-law, Herman D. Strakis of Indianapolis. Jim is preceded in death by six brothers, Jack, Randolph, Damon, Gilbert, Simon and Buck. Also by two sisters Ada Hill and Nadine Strakis. "Big Jim's" family will remember his love for the Cubs and Notre Dame. Also golf, bowling and fishing along with devotion to his family. Jim graduated from Leiters Ford High School in 1950. Then proudly served in the Korean War 1951 to 1953. He was a member of VFW Post 360. He worked for Dodge Mfg. Co. for 30 years and P-H-M School Corporation for 11 years. He was one of the original members of Club 15. Jim was active with his children in scouting and Willow Creek UM Church. Missing him is an understatement, but he is with Our Lord and free of pain.

 

Visitation will be on Friday, July 25 from 4 to 8 p.m. in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. A celebration service will be at Willow Creek United Methodist Church on Saturday, July 26 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior in the church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger with Military graveside services by VFW Post 360 and American Legion Burial Team. For those interested the family has requested in lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Willow Creek United Methodist Church, 14010 E. Jefferson, Mishawaka, IN 46545 or a favorite charity in Jim's name.