COLUMBIA CITY – James Robert “Tarz” Kissinger, 74, of Columbia City, died at 2:40 p.m. Sept. 12, 2012, in his residence.
He was born May 25, 1938, in Warsaw, to Claude Earl and Lois Eleanor Hurd Kissinger. On May 10, 1958, in Cross Catholic Church, Columbia City, he married Julie J. Quinn, who survives.
He spent his childhood in the Tri-Lakes area and lived his entire lifetime in Columbia City where he attended Columbia City High School. He was known by his neighbors as the “phony farmer.” He first was a well driller with G&K Well Drilling and then worked out of the Electrical Union Hall 305 for many years. In 1978, he became owner and operator of Kissinger Electric, Columbia City. He was a member of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, Columbia City. He was also an avid animal lover, especially his two dogs, Wilson and Rosie.
Also surviving are five children: Joseph Robert (and spouse Amy) Kissinger, Markle; Jeffery James (and spouse David) Kissinger, Knoxville, Tenn.; Jonathan Scott (and spouse Deanna) Kissinger, Columbia City; Jennifer Lou Garcia, Fort Wayne; and Julie Ann (and spouse Brent) Robinson, North Webster; eight grandchildren; three sisters: Peggy L. (and spouse John) DeFeo, Hollister, Mo.; Maralee Martin, Fort Wayne; and Michele (and spouse Greg) Brockhaus, Columbia City. He is preceded in death by his father, Claude Earl Kissinger, who died in 1941, when Jim was 3 years old, and who was called up to play baseball for the New York Yankees baseball team one week after his death; and his mother, Lois Eleanor Hurd-Kissinger-Mossman, who died in 2011.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. with Rick Stieglitz officiating.
Calling is from 2 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. ***** Memorials may be given to the Whitley County Humane Society or Heartland Hospice.
