Jim Schrader

James L. "Jim" Schrader, age 77 of South Whitley, IN. passed away Thursday November 14, 2024 at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Jim was born on August 3, 1947, in Fort Wayne, IN. to Calvin C. Davis and Phyllis J. (LaFever) Davis.

Jim joined the United States Army on September 26, 1966. He served in Vietnam, 1st Infantry Division (The Big Red One). Jim was honorably discharged on September 13, 1970. Jim was awarded the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Expert M16, 4 overseas bars, RVN Cross of Gallantry with Palm and Meritorious Unit Citation.

Jim was a career long truck driver and retired from Hiner Transport, Huntington, IN.
Later on, after retirement, Jim and his wife Jodie worked at the South Whitley Cemetery until he was diagnosed with bladder cancer and stage 4 lung cancer. Jim fought the fight and never gave up, not even at the end.

Jim was very involved with the Whitley County Korean War Honor Guard serving was the past Commander for many years.

Being a Purple Heart Recipient, Jim was honored to go on the Purple Heart Honor Flight on August 7, 2023, along with his daughter Mindi as his guardian.

Jim's memberships included, Amvets Post 2919, South Whitley, VFW Post 5582 (Life Member), Columbia City, American Legion Post 98, Columbia City, American Legion Post 258, Pierceton. Jim held offices at each Post and
Masonic Lodge 189, Columbia City.

Jim loved playing shuffleboard, playing in many tournaments and also loved playing in golf outings. Most of all, Jim loved spending time with his family and friends.

Jim is survived by his wife, Jodie. His daughter Mindi (Steve Senger) Schrader. His bonus daughter Shawna (John) Garwood and his bonus son Jeremy (Kalie) Hayes.

13 grandchildren, Brenden, Ashleigh, Scott, Greyson, Solynn, Candice, Carlie, Cody, Leah, Avery, Nova, Justine and Mikayla.

10 great-grandchildren, Valerie, Solynn James, Lana, Wyatt, Damon, Myles, Eli, Adalynn, Maverick and Tinsley.
Jim is also survived by his mother and father in-law, Jim and Coleen Hayes.

Jim was proceeded in death by, his mother and stepfather, Phyllis J. Pettiet and Carl Pettiet; father, Calvin C. Davis; adopted father, H. Max Schrader; and his son, James Michael Schrader in 2011.

To honor Jim's memory, we will be having a Celebration of Life on January 4, 2025, at 1:00pm at the Amvets Post 2919 (upstairs) 234 S. State St. South Whitley. Military rights will be rendered by the Whitley County Korean War Honor Guard. We ask everyone to please wear your Patriotic Attire.

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