John “J.T.” Hubbard, 78, of Columbia City, Ind., passed away at 7:52 p.m. Saturday, June 25, 2016 at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Born Dec. 7, 1937 in Tyronza, Arkansas, he was the son of Vernon “Buster” and Shelly (Buford) Hubbard.

John “J.T.” Hubbard

He grew up in Luka, Miss. and  Cherokee, Ala. before  moving to Indiana at the age of 15. John was working at McDonalds when he met the girl who he would spend the rest of his life with, Ellon Sue Hummel. They were married on Sept.17, 1962 and would live in Churubusco until moving to the Columbia City area in 1989. He worked at Weatherhead and after 32 years, retired from CF Gomma.

Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Sue Hubbard; children, Johnny (Wendy) Hubbard, Jeff Hubbard, both of Columbia City, Shelly (Bill) Cupp, Sherry (Scott) Craig and Joe (Holly) Hubbard, all of Albion; 15 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Juanita Jauregui and Joyce Hill; son, Melvin Hubbard; and an infant sister.

Visitation is 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with his son-in-law, Elder Bill Cupp officiating. Burial will follow at Thorn Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to Bear Lake Camp.