James “Jim” W. Houtz, 78, Warsaw, passed away at 3:11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, 2018, in Lutheran Hospital of Indiana, Fort Wayne.
He was born June 19, 1940, in Uniondale, to Glen and Nellie Elzey Houtz. Jim grew up in Uniondale and moved to Warsaw in the 1970s.
On Dec. 10, 1995, he was united in marriage to Brenda Johnson in New Paris Missionary Church.
During his life he worked as a carpenter and owned his own carpentry business in Uniondale. When he moved to Warsaw he started working for DePuy Synthes and retired from there in 2001 after 25 years of service.
He was an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman throughout his life. He enjoyed his yearly trips to Canada and Minnesota with his family. Jim also enjoyed his peace and relaxation during his morning meditation on the lake. He showed unconditional love for all of his family and enjoyed sharing his wisdom, especially with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jim was a selfless man who loved God. He was such a giver and was always willing to lend a hand to help out a family member or friend in any way needed.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda Houtz, Warsaw; children: Mike (spouse Sharon) Houtz, Lakewood, Calif.; Michelle “Shelly” (spouse Ed) Roberts, Warsaw; Mitchell (spouse Billie Jo) Houtz, Warsaw; Nanette (spouse Chuck) Steele, Warsaw; Natalie (spouse David) Brown, Warsaw; Lori (spouse D.J.) Haring, Nappanee; Barry McGlynn, Chicago, Ill.; and Heather (spouse John) Nixon, Carmel; brother, Dennie (spouse Kathy) Houtz, Claremore, Okla.; sister, Marla (spouse Gene) Donaghy, Ossian; 29 grandchildren; and 37 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, in McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw.
A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, in McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.
*****
Memorials to the donor’s choice.
To sign the register book or leave condolences electronically, go to mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com.
