James Edward Overbey, of Claypool, passed away at 1:53 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, at Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital in Warsaw at the age of 73.

James E. Overbey

He was born on Sept. 7, 1949, in Waukegan, Ill., to Betty Lou (Flippin) Overbey and Edward Ralph Overbey. He married the love of his life, Mary Bell Manns, on Aug. 9, 1969. They would have celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary this month. They were blessed with many memories throughout their lives together, raising three children, sharing the joy of becoming grandparents and later great-grandparents.

James had been a resident of Kosciusko County for the past 51 years where he worked in various agricultural manufacturing and retail jobs. He retired from Penguin Point Systems in Warsaw in 2010 and enjoyed working at Lowe’s in Warsaw as a stocker. Most important to James was simply being a family man. He was a strong and steady presence in the lives of his family. He will be forever remembered as a faithful husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend who will be dearly missed.

He leaves behind his wife, Mary Bell Overbey, Claypool; son, James (Stephanie) Overbey, Silver Lake; two daughters, Cathy (Rick) Luther, South Whitley, and Patty (John) Lyons, Bourbon; four grandchildren, Krystal (Caleb), Maris, Ellis and Gage; and two great-grandchildren, Mason and Madalyn. Also surviving are two brothers, Bobby Overbey, Dyersburg, Tenn., and Johnny Overbey, Henderson, Tenn.; and his sister, Brenda Overbey, Dyersburg, Tenn. He was preceded in death by his parents.

James’ life will be celebrated with a funeral service at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8, officiated by Pastor Luther Bailey at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. Friends and family may visit an hour prior to the service, from 9-10 a.m. A graveside service will follow at South Whitley Cemetery in South Whitley.

Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.