James Lehman

James O. “Jim” Lehman, 86, of Geneva was ushered into the presence of his Lord and Savior Friday, May 19, 2023, surrounded by his family at his residence. He was born Nov. 17, 1936, at the family home in Hartford Township. He was the seventh-born child of Tillman Homer and Edna E. (Spichiger) Lehman. He was married July 23, 1960, at First Mennonite Church in Berne to Bonnie L. Augsburger.
He was a devoted member of Grace Bible Church in Berne, where he served in various capacities lending his time generously. He served as a deacon, trustee and elder within Grace Bible Church over the years. His commitment to his faith and his community was evident in the countless hours he spent helping others, whether by lending a hand, offering encouragement or sharing his wisdom.
Throughout his life, he was dedicated to working hard and providing for his family. He spent many years at Franklin Electric. In addition, he was a Hartford Township farmer and raised pigs. He was born and grew up on the farm begun by his grandparents David and Magdalena Spichiger. The farm today has continued to stay in the family for over 130 years beginning in 1891, and he passed away in the same home he was born in.
He had a talent for metal fabrication, a skill he used to create various different “inventions,” He was also an avid I.U. basketball fan and enjoyed playing cards and games with family and friends. Above all, he cherished his family and grandchildren. He was happiest when surrounded by his loved ones, and he took every opportunity to lend his support, offer his guidance and share his love.
He is survived by his wife of Geneva; daughter, Kim (Denny) Ladig of Angola; two sons, Kirk Lehman of Geneva; and Kraig (Hope) Lehman of Muncie; two sisters, Winifred Pierson of Bozeman, Montana; and Lilah (Bill) Gustafson of Akron, Ohio; brother, Winston (Vicki) Lehman of Berne; nine grandchildren, Nicholas (Kasey) Ladig; Johnathan Ladig; Jordan (Taylor) Ladig; Spencer (Desirae) Ladig; Hope (Tristan) Noble; Chase (Breannah) Lehman; Peyton (Audrey) Lehman; Xander Lehman; and Rachel Lehman; and 18 great-grandchildren, Christian Ladig; Camden Ladig; Corbin Ladig; Colton Ladig; Braden Wood; Malorie Wood; Bella Ladig; Brooklyn Ladig; Jaxson Ladig; Logan Ladig; Hannah Ladig; Emmett Ladig; Aaliyah Downing; Josiah Downing; Sharlah Ladig; Maxine Noble; Willow Noble; and Maggie Lehman.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Kenneth D., Curtis O., and Samuel G. Lehman; three sisters, Ruth Harvey; Rebecca H. Ringenberg; and Grace M. Lehman; and one granddaughter, Edon Ladig.
Visitation will be Wednesday, May 24 from 3-7 p.m. at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne and one hour prior to the 2 p.m. funeral service Thursday, May 25 at Grace Bible Church in Berne. Officiating will be Rev. Dr. Jeff Gaskill. Burial will be at MRE Cemetery in Berne.
Memorials may be made to Youth for Christ-Muncie, Miracle Hill or Grace Bible Church.
Arrangements provided by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne. To sign the online guest book, visit www.zwickjahn.com.