James Edward Georgel, 96, of Kendallville, Indiana died Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Chandler Place in Kendallville.

He was born June 15, 1928, in Elwood, Indiana, to Raymond and Elizabeth (Owen) Georgel.

On November 20, 1954, in Anderson, he married Freda Lou Blackford. She preceded him in death on January 25, 2022.

He honorably served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Mr. Georgel retired as a supervisor from Zollner Piston in Fort Wayne after 37 years.

Jim was a member of the First Church of God in Kendallville and Zollner's Quarter Century Club. He was also a life member of Korea Post 1 of Fort Wayne, Rome City American Legion Post #381 where he was past commander, past 4th district commander, and past state northern vice commander. He was also a life member of Kendallville VFW Post #2749, Kendallville Eagles, Forty & Eight, AMVETS, and Orange Township Fire Department.

Jim and some of the other members of Post 381 started the new post at Rome City, and he was proud of the fact that he was the longest living member of Post 381.

Jim was honored to be named as citizen of the year in 1998 for the town of Rome City.

He enjoyed working in wood and making things for his family and friends. Jim always said to give him a picture and size and he would build it.

Jim and his wife enjoyed traveling. They were members of the United Commercial Travelers of America for many years.

Surviving are five daughters, Beth Ann (Terry) Idlewine of Elwood, Jamie Lou Georgel of Kendallville, Lisa Jane (Steve) Holder of Lorton, Virginia, Lori Lynn Grocock of Eagleville, Tennessee, and Angela Renee (Todd) Ditto of Kendallville; a son, Robert Eugene (Trena) Georgel of Rome City; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; six great great-grandchildren; and two nieces, Nancy Kay McCrackin and Sharon Harris.

He was also preceded in death by a sister, Helen McElfresh; and two brothers, Robert and Melvin Georgel.

Funeral services will be Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel, 222 South State Street, Kendallville with Pastor Regan Ford of the Kendallville First Church of God officiating.

Burial will follow at Orange Cemetery, Rome City.

Honorary pallbearers are Chris Hayes and Joey Backer. Active pallbearers are Jon Jones, MacJones, Ethan Krus, Derek Hicks, Tim Idlewine and T. J. Idlewine.

Honor guard services will be provided by the Veterans Honor Guard and active duty members of the US Army.

Visitation is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials may be directed to Rome City American Legion Post 381, Kendallville VFW Post 2749, or Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana.

View a video tribute after Saturday or share memories and condolences at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com