James W. Messer, 71, of Rome City, Indiana, died Thursday, April 7, 2022, at his residence. He was born April 27, 1950, in Vicco, Kentucky, to Clyde and Elsie (Holliday) Messer. On February 15, 1968, in Rome City he married Delena "Sue" Combs. Mr. Messer had worked at Newnam Foundry in Kendallville and No-Sag in Kendallville. Following his accident in 1983, he repaired and sold lawnmowers. He was a member of the Cree Lake Conservation Club, where he enjoyed target practice. James ran track while in school. He enjoyed coaching baseball in Rome City and was a great role model for the kids. He also liked to go fishing, stopping at yard sales, going to auctions, and looking at old cars. While he would never go into a grocery store or the Post Office, but would set in the car and patiently wait on his family, he did enjoy going to Bingo. He also enjoyed going to Hardee's in Angola and eating sloppy joes at Tiffany's in Topeka. He was an avid fan of Kentucky basketball. But, most importantly, he loved watching his children and grandchildren play sports. James' life changed drastically with the death of his only son on December 10, 2019, and he grieved his death until the end. Surviving are the love of his life, Sue Messer of Rome City; two daughters, Wanda (Eric) Barker of Leesburg and Rhonda (Zack Emerick) Fugate of Middlebury; four grandchildren, Natasha (Shane Himes) Fugate, Tanner Fugate, Seth (Victoria) Keck, and Kody Keck; seven great-grandchildren, Jaycee Moore, Aurora Barker, Jersee Himes, Scarlett Keck, Jaxon Jarrett, Silas Keck, and Eden Fugate; a sister, Wilma (James) Stidham of Rome City; and two uncles and aunts, James and Flora Holliday of Rome City and Kizer and Vena Holliday of Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, James Nathan "Nate Dogg" Messer. Visitation is Tuesday, April 12, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Young Family Funeral Home, Wolcottville Chapel, State Road 9 North, Wolcottville. His funeral service will be Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Larry Anglemyer, Sr. of Kelly Street Baptist Church in Rome City officiating. Burial will follow at Orange Cemetery in Rome City. Honorary pallbearers are Jaycee Moore, Jaxon Jarrett, Aurora Barker, and Danny Ramey. Active pallbearers are Tanner Fugate, Seth Keck, Kody Keck, John Collins, Timmy Moore, Ricky Stidham, and Lloyd Patrick. Preferred memorials may be directed to the family. View a video tribute after Tuesday or share memories and condolences at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com