James L. Stouder, 84, of rural Warsaw, passed at 8:10 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, at Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital of Warsaw.

James L. Stouder

Jim was born on March 12, 1939, in Etna Green, to the late Clarence and Bertha (Metzler) Stouder. On Nov. 27, 1960, in Winona Lake, he married Serita R. Julian, who survives.

He was a 1958 graduate of Etna Green High School. He played for the 26-1 Etna Green Cubs, who won the county tournament and went to the regional. He made several tournament and county teams. He was inducted to the Kosciusko County Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.

Jim had been a carpenter at Pike Lumber Co., of Akron, operating heavy equipment and maintenance. He retired after 23 years with the company. In years past, he played golf and softball, and he coached for many years. He also served as president of Warsaw Square Dance Club. He had attended the Walnut Creek United Methodist Church of Warsaw. He loved his family and enjoyed making people laugh. He never met a stranger.

He is survived by his wife, Serita Stouder, of Warsaw; daughter, Aimee, and husband Randy Nellans, of Rochester; sons, Troy Stouder, of Warsaw, and Kent and wife Jennifer Stouder, of Warsaw; grandchildren Eric, Tyler, Rachael, Nolan and Emily; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Gloria Stackhouse, of Virginia; and a brother, Richard Stouder, of Nappanee.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers; and two sisters.

The funeral service will take place at noon Saturday, Aug. 12, at King Memorial Home, 101 N. Tucker St., Mentone, with Pastor Stacy Downing officiating.

A private interment will be in the Etna Green Cemetery, Etna Green.

Visitation hours will be from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Aug. 12, at King Memorial Home, Mentone.

Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the Walnut Creek United Methodist Church, 2033 S. 150W, Warsaw, IN 46580.

Share a memory or send an online condolence at: www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com.