James R. Hazen
James R. Hazen, 90, South Whitley, passed away at 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2020, at Miller’s Merry Manor, Columbia City.
Born on Jan. 25, 1930 in Whitley County, he was the son of Hiram and Christabelle (Riley) Hazen.
Jim attended school in Coesse and graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1948. He worked as a general contractor and marketing consultant after serving his country in the U.S. Army. Jim was a member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness and enjoyed trains, heavy equipment, and using tools to fix and create things.
Survivors include his loving wife of 40 years, Rosalie Hazen of South Whitley; step-children Cheryl (James) Yeager of South Whitley and Gary (Christina) Sutter of Columbia City; step-grandchildren Adriane (David) Copeland, Scott Yeager, Randall (Joanna) Yeager, Brooke (Ryan) Hamilton, Holly Sutter, Brad (Amy) Sutter, Ryan Kessler, and Daniel Messenger. He also has 19 step-grandchildren and 3 step-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and step-daughter Michelle Kessler-Savant.
Due to social distancing requirements in place with the COVID-19 pandemic, family and friends can pay their final respects to Jim and his family by a drive through viewing under the portico at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, on Thursday, May 21, 2020 from 10 until 11 a.m. All people paying their respects are asked to remain in their cars at all times while in line in the funeral home parking lot.
A private service for immediate family will be held in Blue River Cemetery, Columbia City.