James Richard Eberhart , 87, of rural South Whitley, passed away at 5:30 a.m. Monday, July 29, 2024, at Peabody Retirement Community, where he had been a resident for the past 2 ½ years.

Born on March 20, 1937, on a farm in Cleveland Twp., Whitley County, Indiana, he was the son of the late Wallace D. and Lillian (Stansberry) Eberhart.  Growing up in Cleveland, Twp., he graduated from South Whitley High School in 1955.  An active 4-H member, he raised and showed calves at the Indiana State Fair throughout his boyhood and enjoyed working on the family farm.

On May 29, 1955, Jim married Jeanette Juillerat.  They lived in Washington Twp. for a couple of years, then moved to a small farm in Cleveland Twp., where they raised three children.  In 1978, Jim and Jeanette built and moved to their new home where he enjoyed having more livestock and everyday farm life.

Jim began his work career at Bechtold Plumbing and Heating, installing plumbing and heating in new homes. In 1958, the business became Bechtold Soft Water Service, where Jim installed new water softeners and related plumbing.  In 1982, he started his own company, Eberhart Soft Water, installing and servicing systems throughout the area.  In 2018, he sold the business and retired to his farm.  Through his work, Jim met many people and he always appreciated a good joke.

A hard worker, he was up at dawn and did not quit until the sun went down.  Along with their three children, Jim owned and operated a 15,000 layer chicken house for many years.  He raised Spot pigs and enjoyed helping his grandchildren show them at the Whitley County 4-H Fair and State Fair.  He continued to raise calves and became passionate about his Haflinger horses.  Jim would give wagon or buggy rides to others and loved showing his horses at the State Fair Open Shows.  Always busy on his farm home, he enjoyed mowing and caring for the property.

He was a member of the Evangelical United Brethren Church, which eventually merged with the Methodist Church to become the South Whitley United Methodist Church, now known as South Whitley Community Church.  He was a youth leader at church, always enjoying a cookout, and became known for his bacon popcorn.  He served on the church building committee and was elected to the Cleveland Twp. Advisory Board.  A supporter of the American Red Cross blood donation, he provided transportation for the local Amish community to the church donation site and others who needed transportation.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 69 years, Jeanette; children, Debra (Rex ) Wilkinson, Dennis (Cheryl) Eberhart, and Dianne (Daniel) Amburgy all of South Whitley; grandchildren, Rita (Levi) Rogers, Lisa (Jonathon) Engle, Randall (Jamie) Wilkinson, Julie (Ryan) Fernandez, Tyson (Amy) Crain, Ashley Williamson, Tara (Colin) Thornburg and Chris (Pamela) Amburgy; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by a sister, Joan Eberhart, and three great-grandchildren.

The funeral service is at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 2nd at the South Whitley Community Church, 6685 W State Road 14, South Whitley.  Burial is at the South Whitley Cemetery. Visitation is 2 to 5 and 6 to 8 Thursday (August 1st) at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley, and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials in Jim's honor are to the South Whitley Community Church or the Alzheimer's Association.