James Vincent Yant, 92, of rural Columbia City, passed away at 1:40 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at Parkview Whitley Hospital.

Born on May 19, 1932, in Whitley County, Indiana, he was a son of the late Vern and Della (Brunner) Yant.  Growing up near Collins, he completed Collins School.

On January 12, 1953, he was inducted into the U.S. Army and served in the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged on November 2, 1954.

On October 29, 1951, he married Gloria Slusser.  The couple made their home at Tri-Lakes, where they raised four children.  Gloria died on March 12, 1987.

For over 30 years, James worked for Dana Corporation, Fort Wayne.  He retired in 1989.  In his retirement, he worked as a maintenance man for the Park Terrace apartment complex to keep busy.

A good golfer, he played in the area men's league and has a hole-in-one at the Colonial Oaks Golf Course to his credit.  He enjoyed fishing and ice fishing and bowled in the Dana Bowling League.  He liked a good euchre or poker game and usually had a lucky streak when he visited the casinos or a horse race event.   He was so proud of all the grandkids.  He loved watching them play sports and their 4-H.and enjoyed talking to the older grandkids about mushroom hunting.  He also liked sitting watching his flowers and waiting for the hummingbirds to come and eat.

Surviving are his children, Cindy (Thomas) Pettigrew, Mark (Vickie) Yant, and Carol (Mike) Leininger, all of Columbia City; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Toye Mauzy; a sister, Gloria Line; a brother, Ronnie Yant; and a granddaughter, Lillie Yant.

Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday (July 1st) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with a funeral service beginning at 7 p.m. Burial will be at a later date at the South Park Annex Cemetery.

Memorials in James's honor are to the American Legion Post 98 or the Humane Society of Whitley County.