James “Jim” W. Houtz, 78, Warsaw, passed away at 3:11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, 2018, in Lutheran Hospital of Indiana, Fort Wayne. 

He was born on June 19, 1940, in Uniondale, to Glen and Nellie (Elzey) Houtz.

He grew up in Uniondale and moved to Warsaw in the 1970s. On Dec. 10, 1995, he was united in marriage to Brenda Johnson in New Paris Missionary Church. 

During his life he worked as a carpenter and owned his own carpentry business in Uniondale. When he moved to Warsaw he started working for DePuy Synthes and retired from there in 2001 after 25 years of service. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman throughout his life. He enjoyed his yearly trips to Canada and Minnesota with his family. He also enjoyed his peace and relaxation during his morning meditation on the lake. 

He showed unconditional love for all of his family and enjoyed sharing his wisdom especially with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a selfless man who loved God.  He was such a giver and was always willing to lend a hand to help out a family member or friend in any way needed. 

He is survived by his wife: Brenda Houtz, Warsaw; children: Mike (Sharon) Houtz, Lakewood, Calif.; Michelle “Shelly” (Ed) Roberts, Warsaw; Mitchell (Billie Jo) Houtz, Warsaw; Nanette (Chuck) Steele, Warsaw; Natalie (David) Brown, Warsaw; Lori (D.J.) Haring, Nappanee; Barry McGlynn, Chicago, Ill.; Heather (John) Nixon, Carmel; brother: Dennie (Kathy) Houtz, Claremore, Okla.; sister: Marla (Gene) Donaghy, Ossian; 29 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren also survive. 

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, in McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, in McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.

Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s Choice.