James M. ElliottJames M. Elliott, age 83, and a longtime resident of Kosciusko County, passed away on Friday, July 12, 2019, at 2:38 p.m. in Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City.
Born on Feb. 5, 1936, in Prestonsburg, Ky., James was one of eight children and the son of Orval and Mary Belle Stephens Elliott. He was always good with his hands and went on to be a welder and fabricator for Union Tool Corp., where he retired after nearly 33 years.
Simply put, James loved the outdoors. He loved to hunt and fish and was equally as proficient around horses as he was hunting with coon dogs. He was the head of Pony Express where he rode with individuals with handicaps and was a longtime member of Diamond X. For years, he was known as Horseshoe Man on CB radio. Riding became a family affair when James converted an old white school bus into the family camper.
James was friendly and rarely knew a stranger, but he was also not afraid to “tell it like it is.” He loved finding a deal, whether it be at an auction or a garage sale. He could spend entire weekends at an auction, even if he wasn’t there to buy; he simply enjoyed the atmosphere and the buzz about it.
Missed by many, a list of survivors includes: wife, Glenda Elliott, of Silver Lake; eight children: Doug (Susie) Elliott, of Syracuse; Terry (Lonie Bloom) Elliott, of North Webster; Sherry (Tim Kelly) Elliott, of Lavonia, Ga.; Dottie Love, of Defiance, Ohio; Brenda (Dave) Darland, of Atlanta, Ind.; Jody (Scott) Shaske, of Pierceton; Jimmy Elliott, of South Whitley; and Raven Elliott, of Fort Wayne; and several stepchildren. Also surviving are brother, Tommy Elliott, of Hoffman Lake; sister, Anna Jo Blair, of Warsaw; many grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by brothers, Henry, Bill and John Elliott; and sisters, Lily Mae Elliott and Linda Justice.
A life celebration will take place at Titus Funeral Home, 2000 E. Sheridan St., Warsaw, with visitation on Wednesday, July 17 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Pastor William Whitaker will officiate the service on Thursday, July 18 at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Ulrey Memorial Cemetery, Silver Lake.
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Memorials to James’ final expenses at Titus Funeral Home.
Condolences may be sent via www.TitusFuneralHome.com.
