James D. Elser, 73, of Ligonier, Ind., passed away on Thursday Nov. 21, 2013, at his home.

He was born on Nov. 23, 1939, in York Township, Ind., to Charley and Cleone (Reidenbach) Elser. Jim graduated from Albion High School in 1958. He married Patricia Ann Kinnison on Nov. 25, 1969, in Wawaka, Ind.

He lived in Americus, Ga., from 1970-1975, moving to Ligonier in 1975. He retired from Ventline Division of Philips Industries in 1988, after 28 years of service as Time Study and Plant Engineer. He was a member of the Ligonier Elks Lodge #451 and the Kendallville Elks Lodge #86.

He is survived by his wife; a brother: Richard B. (Roberta) Elser, Albion, Ind.; two sisters: Elizabeth Shellman, Albion; Helen (Robert) Coil, Wolf Lake, Ind.; three sisters-in-Law: Marjorie Elser, Albion; Pat Frymier, Auburn, Ind.; and Peggy Elser, Albion; numerous nieces and nephews; and former wife: Donna (Gandy) Brozoski, Middleton, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Charles W., Raymond M., Harold W. Elser; a brother-in-law: Robert Shellman; a half-sister: Vonita (Clifton) Bair; a half-brother and his wife: Gerald Burnell (Nadine Mault) Elser.

Visitation will be from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, at Yeager Funeral Home 1589 Lincolnway South, Ligonier. Funeral services will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, at the funeral home. Celebrant Larry Baker will officiate. Private family burial will be at Sparta Cemetery in Kimmell, Ind.

Memorial contributions may be given to Noble County Humane Shelter or the hospice organization of the donor’s choice.