James Arthur Gambrell , 85, of Columbia City, died peacefully in the company of family at 5:45 p.m. Monday, November 27, 2023 at Miller's at Oak Pointe, Columbia City.

Born on April 8, 1938, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, he was a son of the late James C. and Wilhelmina (Siebert) Gambrell. His formative years were spent in Waynedale. At age eight, the family moved to Thorncreek Twp., Whitley County, where he completed grade school and graduated from Columbia City High School in 1956.

Taking a job with Kimmell Glass, he moved to Kosciusko County. In 1969, he moved to Columbia City. On September 15, 1972, he married Carol R. (Noll) Anglin.  They made their home in rural Columbia City. Carol died on January 28, 2012.

For fifteen years, Jim worked for the city of Columbia City as a mechanic, retiring in 2002. A volunteer firefighter with the Columbia Twp. Fire Department, he also volunteered with the Whitley County Emergency Medical Service.

He was a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Free and Accept Masons, the Blue Lodge #189 - Columbia City, the Mizpah Shrine, and the past president of the Shrine Antique Power Club.

As a mechanic, he was always interested in early mechanical engines, repairing and rebuilding old hit-n-miss engines, and building scale models. He also liked antique farm tractors, restoring a John Deere Model B. When he was not tinkering with an engine, he made woodcraft puzzles and toys. He enjoyed growing an annual vegetable garden and always enjoyed being with family and friends.

He is survived by his children, Timothy (Susie) Gambrell, Trenton Anglin of Columbia City, and Jennifer (Jamie) Hankins of Paris, Kentucky; his companion, Maxine Kemery;  grandchildren, Lindsey (Ray) Werkheizer, Scott Gambrell, Sheena (George) Leugers, Justin (Mei) Hankins, Logan Hankins, Claire Hankins, Gabrielle Anglin, Isabelle (Tyler) Coyle, Ashley Anglin, Tyler (Amanda) Anglin; eight great-grandchildren; sisters, Phyllis (Michael) Schaffer of Columbia City and Susan (Marvin) Stahl of Minnesota; and a daughter-in-law, Cheryl Anglin of Columbia City.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by a son, Timothy Anglin, a daughter, Kelly Clark, and a brother, Vernon Gambrell.

The funeral service is at 4 p.m. Saturday (December 2nd) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Visitation is from 2 p.m. until the service Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will take place at a later date.

Memorials in Jim's honor are to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church.