Obituary for James Smelser
James Edward Smelser, a resident of Winona Lake, passed away quietly on Thursday, January 3, 2019 at 8:35 a.m. at Grace Village Healthcare Center. He was 86 years old.
Born in Mishawaka to John and Edith (King) Smelser, James was one of four children. He graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1950 and attended college before joining the military.
Jim, as most knew him, enlisted in the United States Navy on February 4, 1952 in Chicago, Ill. He served in the time between Korea and Vietnam, eventually earning the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class. Jim served aboard aircraft carriers as a photographer, often riding face down in the planes on reconnaissance missions to get the shots he needed. He was honorably discharged on July 31, 1959 from the US Naval Air Special Weapons Facility on Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
On April 16, 1978, Jim was married to Barbara (Mangus) Kosior in Westville, Indiana. Together, they would share more than forty years before his Thursday morning passing. They also shared many trips, travelling across the US and many happy memories with grandchildren.
Jim was a past commander of American Legion Post 49 and a member of Westville Jaycees, Winona Lake Lions Club, and, for fourteen years, assisted with Back to the Days of Kosciuszko. He attended First Christian Church, loved camping, fishing and was never one to shy away from an adventure. In fact, Jim was a professional rodeo clown for some time. He was also the photographer for South Bend, Plymouth and New Paris Speedways. For his 80th birthday, Jim checked an item off his bucket list by climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse; he loved lighthouses.
Surviving are his wife, Barbara Smelser of Winona Lake; daughters: Guanda Lynn (Paul) Wright of Billings, OK and Melissa Brenda (Brent) Skinner of Warsaw; sons: James Edward (Wendy) Smelser II of Lahoma, OK; Neal Gene (Sandra) Smelser and Parker Dick (Susie) Smelser both of Billings, OK, and sister, Mary (Jack) Miller of Nappanee and brother, John (Alice) Smelser King of Texas. Also surviving are numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughter, Debbie Sue Cox, sister and brother-in-law, Lois (Doug) Torrance and his parents.
Jim’s life will be celebrated privately in a service at Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw. Military graveside honors will be rendered by members of the United States Navy and of American Legion Post 49. Those wishing to express their sympathy may give to the Activities Department of Grace Village.
Online condolences may be left at www.TitusFuneralHome.com
Born in Mishawaka to John and Edith (King) Smelser, James was one of four children. He graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1950 and attended college before joining the military.
Jim, as most knew him, enlisted in the United States Navy on February 4, 1952 in Chicago, Ill. He served in the time between Korea and Vietnam, eventually earning the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class. Jim served aboard aircraft carriers as a photographer, often riding face down in the planes on reconnaissance missions to get the shots he needed. He was honorably discharged on July 31, 1959 from the US Naval Air Special Weapons Facility on Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
On April 16, 1978, Jim was married to Barbara (Mangus) Kosior in Westville, Indiana. Together, they would share more than forty years before his Thursday morning passing. They also shared many trips, travelling across the US and many happy memories with grandchildren.
Jim was a past commander of American Legion Post 49 and a member of Westville Jaycees, Winona Lake Lions Club, and, for fourteen years, assisted with Back to the Days of Kosciuszko. He attended First Christian Church, loved camping, fishing and was never one to shy away from an adventure. In fact, Jim was a professional rodeo clown for some time. He was also the photographer for South Bend, Plymouth and New Paris Speedways. For his 80th birthday, Jim checked an item off his bucket list by climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse; he loved lighthouses.
Surviving are his wife, Barbara Smelser of Winona Lake; daughters: Guanda Lynn (Paul) Wright of Billings, OK and Melissa Brenda (Brent) Skinner of Warsaw; sons: James Edward (Wendy) Smelser II of Lahoma, OK; Neal Gene (Sandra) Smelser and Parker Dick (Susie) Smelser both of Billings, OK, and sister, Mary (Jack) Miller of Nappanee and brother, John (Alice) Smelser King of Texas. Also surviving are numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughter, Debbie Sue Cox, sister and brother-in-law, Lois (Doug) Torrance and his parents.
Jim’s life will be celebrated privately in a service at Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw. Military graveside honors will be rendered by members of the United States Navy and of American Legion Post 49. Those wishing to express their sympathy may give to the Activities Department of Grace Village.
Online condolences may be left at www.TitusFuneralHome.com