James H. Webster, 81, of rural Columbia City, died peacefully at his home surrounded by the love of his children on Friday, January 20, 2023.

Born on August 24, 1941, in DeKalb County, Indiana, he was a son of the late Blaine Duane Webster and Edith Louise (Hayman) Webster. James graduated from Huntington High School in 1959 and began the General Electric Apprentice School.

On July 2, 1960, he married the love of his life, Barbara Rose "Bobbie" Maxwell.  They made their first home in Huntington and then moved to rural Columbia City, where they have lived for the past 56 years. Bobbie died on May 5, 2022.

Becoming a tool and die maker for General Electric, Fort Wayne, he went on to become a prototype model maker for the company. He retired with over 30 years of service.

In his younger years, he earned a pilot's license and owned and operated a Luscombe single-engine plane. After selling the plane, he took up the hobby of building and flying radio-controlled model planes. He was a member of the Huntington County Modelers. Annually, he planted and tended a large vegetable garden enjoying and sharing the fruits of his labor.

Surviving are his children, Rose (Doug) Plew and Randall (Jacklyn) Webster, both of Columbia City; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great great grandchild; brother, Jerry Keller of Weatherford, Texas and a sister Sandra (Charlie) Hall of Fort Wayne.

He was preceded in death by a brother, William Webster and a grandson, Tim Linsky.

Visitation is 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial will follow immediately at the Union Twp. Cemetery, Coesse.

Memorials are to St. Jude Children's Hospital or the Salvation Army.