James V. Kyler , 85, of rural Columbia City, died unexpectedly of natural causes at 11:28 a.m. Sunday, December 24, 2023, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne.

Born on February 14, 1938, in Whitley County, Indiana, he was a son of the late Harold F. and Carrie J. (Evard) Kyler. Growing up in Columbia, Twp., he completed school at Columbia City High School.

Becoming a welder and steel fabricator, he owned and operated Jim's Welding in Columbia City until 1974 when he went to work for Simmons Equipment for 14 years.  He then worked for Ora Simmons Excavating before taking a job as Plant Operations Manager for Parkview Whitley Hospital.  He retired in 2006.  Additionally, he drove a school bus for 19 years for Columbia Twp. Schools.

On March 12, 1982, he married Sandra Lee Grabach.  They have always made their home in Columbia Twp.

Jim was an active member of Masonic Lodge 189, Columbia City, the Mizpah Shrine, and the Whitley County Shrine, and took great pride in being a transport driver taking children and their families to the regional Shriner's Hospitals for Children.  He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the former Eagles and Moose lodges.  In his spare time, Jim liked to tinker with hit-n-miss engines and attend the area shows.

Serving his community, he was a 19-year member of the Whitley County Senior Citizens Center board and an elder for the Laud Christian church.

In his retirement, the couple liked to camp and fish. For a couple of years, they joined friends and wintered in Texas, and for a few more years, they spent the winter in Florida. Enjoying small dogs, Jim's constant companion, a Yorkie named Cricket, preceded him in death, and he leaves behind his French Bulldog Edsel "Eddie."

Surviving is his wife of 41years, Sandra; children, Tamera L. (Douglas) Gunn of Fort Wayne, Jerry L. (Cheryl) Bolinger and Deborah L. (Rick) Reid, both of Columbia City, Brian L. (Kaylynn) Bolinger of Leesburg, Brian J. (Renee) Kyler and Shannon L. (Brad) Newsom both of Columbia City; ten grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by brothers, Richard, David, and Harold F. Kyler Jr. and a sister, Mary Phillips. His sister Viola Bird died this Christmas Day.

The funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Saturday (December 30th) at the Laud Christian Church, 2085 E Taylor St in Laud. Burial is at Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne. Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, and 1 hour before the church service.

Memorials in Jim's honor are to the Mizpah Shrine Hospital Transportation.