James M. Elliott, 83 and a longtime resident of Kosciusko County, passed away at 2:38 p.m., Friday, July 12, 2019, in Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City.

Born on Feb. 5, 1936, in Prestonsburg, Ky., James was one of eight children and the son of Orval and Mary Belle (Stephens) Elliott. He was always good with his hands and went on to be a welder and fabricator for Union Tool Corporation where he retired after nearly 33 years.

Simply put, he loved the outdoors. He loved to hunt and fish and was equally as proficient around horses as he was hunting with coon dogs. He was the head of Pony Express where he road with individuals with handicaps and was a longtime member of Diamond X. For years he was known as Horseshoe Man on CB radio. Riding became a family affair when James converted an old white school bus into the family camper.

James Elliott was friendly and rarely knew a stranger, but he was also not afraid to “tell it like it is.” He loved finding a deal whether it be at an auction or a garage sale. He could spend entire weekends at an auction, even if he wasn’t there to buy; he simply enjoyed the atmosphere and the buzz about it.

Missed by many, a list of survivors includes: wife, Glenda Elliott of Silver Lake; eight children: Doug (Susie) Elliott of Syracuse, Terry (Lonie Bloom) Elliott of North Webster, Sherry (Tim Kelly) Elliott of Lavonia, GA, Dottie Love of Defiance, OH, Brenda (Dave) Darland of Atlanta, IN, Jody (Scott) Shaske of Pierceton, Jimmy Elliott of South Whitley and Raven Elliott of Fort Wayne and several stepchildren. Also surviving are brother, Tommy Elliott of Hoffman Lake; sister, Anna Jo Blair of Warsaw; many grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by brothers: Henry, Bill and John Elliott and sisters, Lily Mae Elliott and Linda Justice.

A Life Celebration will take place at Titus Funeral Home, 2000 East Sheridan Street, Warsaw, with visitation on Wednesday, July 17, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Pastor William Whitaker will officiate the service on Thursday, July 18, at 11a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Ulrey Memorial Cemetery, Silver Lake.

Memorial contributions would be appreciated by the family. They may be made to James’ final expenses at Titus Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent via www.TitusFuneralHome.com