Marland “Jim” Ray Bridegroom, 85, of Wabash,died at 4:35 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016, at Wellbrooke of Wabash.

He was born Sept. 25, 1930, in Wabash, to Merl I. and Mildred (Reed) Bridegroom.

Jim attended Silver Lake High School. He married Evelyn Lawson in Wabash on Dec. 14, 1951. He owned and operated Bridegroom’s Grocery and Garage in Treaty 13 years, drove truck for Pierceton Trucking 12 years, was a farmer, and drove school bus for Metropolitan School District 14 years. Jim was a member of the Woodlawn United Methodist Church in Somerset, and also the Teamsters Union. He enjoyed dancing and listening to music. He and his wife Evelyn wintered in Venice, Fla., 24 years.

He is survived by his wife: Evelyn Bridegroom of Wabash; three children: Rosa (Dean) Sparling of Wabash, Rita (Jan) Wade of Tulsa, Okla., and Rick Bridegroom of Wabash; seven grandchildren: Angela (David) Christopher of Wabash, Matthew (Dara) Sparling of Fort Wayne,Eric (Alison) Wade and Ryan (Kristen) Wade, both of Tulsa, Larissa (Matt) Krafft of Jenks, Oklahoma, Nathan (Jessica) Bridegroom of Fort Wayne, and Rachael Bridegroom of West Lafayette; nine great-grandchildren; brother: Ronald (Barbara) Bridegroom of Columbia City; and his sister: Imogene Warren of North Manchester.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Sondra Sellers.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave., Wabash, with Dr. Ted Batson officiating. Burial will be in LaFontaine I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

Friends may call 3-7 p.m.Tuesday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to Woodlawn United Methodist Church or Wabash-Miami Home Healthcare and Hospice.