Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
James “Jim” “Bodie” Francis Mittica, of Warsaw, passed away at his home on June 21, 2026, at the age of 77. Though his body was failing, Jim spent his life remaining wonderfully young at heart. “Old Italians never die, they just pasta away!”
Born on April 20, 1949, in Logansport, to Phyllis Jean Owens and Francis Rocco Mittica, he was a 1967 graduate of Warsaw High School and attended Ball State University for two years. In his youth, he shared his love for the water as a lifeguard and swimming instructor at Center and Pike lakes of Warsaw. He also channeled his love for music and shared his talents playing the drums with his friends in their Warsaw garage band and later for the band Half-Cocked.
Jim was a long-time employee at R.R. Donnelley’s in Warsaw where he made many lasting friendships. He loved sports and motorcycles, being out in the fresh air and always considered a day out fishing to be a true treat. Above all, Jim loved that he was a father and grandfather. He found immense joy in watching his grandchildren compete at their wrestling meets, which always brought back fond memories of his own days on the mat in high school. A relentless jokester known for his quick wit and endless supply of dad jokes, he could always brighten the moment and make others laugh.
He leaves behind his daughter, Ashley Marie Lemler and her partner, Bartholomew VanLue, both of Syracuse; son, Zach James (Ashley) Sainer, Lafayette; seven grandchildren; and his sister, Pamela (Rick) Sue Day, Peru, Ind. He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandchild.
Jim’s life will be celebrated with a memorial service at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 31 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, and officiated by Pastor Dave Hackney. He will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.
Memorial donations in Jim’s memory may be directed to Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County, P.O. Box 1913, Warsaw, IN 46581-1913; or to Special Olympics Indiana, 6200 Technology Center Drive, Suite 105, Indianapolis, IN 46278.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com
