James R. Wasmuth

James R. Wasmuth, of Huntington, age 84, died at 3:15 a.m. Thursday (April 7, 2011) at his home. Jim was born in Huntington, on February 24, 1927, the son of Mary Elizabeth (Spencer) and Herman Jack Wasmuth. He graduated from Huntington Township High School on April 23, 1945. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served as a storekeeper during World War II, until he was honorably discharged in August of 1946, and then discharged from the Navy Reserves in November of 1948. He also served in the Army National Guard and was discharged as a 2nd lieutenant on June 15, 1954. He married Elaine Marie Seils on October 22, 1950 at the St. Peter Lutheran Church in Huntington. Elaine preceded him in death on March 22, 1987. In 1952 he purchased his first store The Coffee Ranch. He loved being a businessman and owned many businesses over the years including The Candy Box, Elaine’s Nut Shop, Elaine’s Candies, Garden Gift Shop, Auburn News Stand, Lake George Trading Posts, Elaine’s Hallmark, and The Desk. Jim married Ruth (Yaste) Conkle on October 6, 1989 at the St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Huntington. He loved to travel with Ruth, enjoying trips to many parts of the country including a cruise to Alaska and a trip to Hawaii. They also enjoyed many evenings ballroom dancing together. But his true passion was in studying genealogy. Jim loved exploring his family history, and was thrilled to be able to help others research their family history. He was very proud that he could trace his family roots back to Adam and Eve. Jim was an active member of the Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Roanoke and served as the Treasurer for many years. He also enjoyed volunteering with the Historical Society. Survivors include his wife - Ruth Wasmuth of Huntington; five sons - Rev. James S. (Gwenn) Wasmuth of Rochester, Richard Lawrence Wasmuth of Columbia City, David S. (Ann) Wasmuth of Huntington, Doug E. Wasmuth of Fort Wayne, and Mark Conkle of Huntington; four daughters - Diane E. (Samuel) Greuter of Auburn, Sharri K. (Dale) Tafelski of Rochester, Mary Jane (Kelly) Pratt of Huntington, and Julie (Chris) Campbell of Huntington; eighteen grandchildren - Jill, Jan, John, Joy, Laura, Rachel, Sara, Brettani, Brecklyn, John, James, Adam, Kristin, Adam, Amy, Kourtney, Kayla, and Kylie, and four great grandchildren - Shealee, Baylen, Makayla, and Dylan. He is preceded in death by his parents and first wife - Elaine. Visitation will be Sunday (April 10, 2011) from 3 - 7 p.m. at the Bailey-Love Mortuary. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday (April 11, 2011) at the Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3416 E. 900 N., Roanoke, with Rev. Shayne Jonker and Rev. James S. Wasmuth officiating. Burial will be in the Pilgrims Rest Cemetery, Huntington. The V.F.W. Post #2689 will perform military rites. Memorial contributions may be made to the Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church or the Huntington County Historical Society, in care of Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, Indiana 46750.

James R. Wasmuth

February 24, 1927 - April 7, 2011