James A. Emrich Obituary (1941 - 2022)

James A. Emrich, 80, of Huntertown, passed away on February 21, 2022, at his residence. He was born in Allen County, on May 12, 1941, to the late Clifford and Kathryn (Freeman) Emrich. He spent his formative years in Northwest Allen County, graduating from Huntertown High School in 1959. James was married to Karen Gresley on August 31, 1963. She preceded him death on November 26, 2014. He worked at International Harvester for 21 years as an electrician. He owned and operated Emrich Electric from 1995-2013. He also drove school bus for Northwest Allen County Schools from 1996-2009. James was a Past Master with Huntertown Masonic Lodge in 1973, 1983, and 2005. He served as an Allen County 4-H Leader for 25 years. James was a past president of Allen County 4-H Board and president of the Allen County Fairgrounds Board. He was also a member of the STARS Churubusco Chapter. In addition to his memberships and leadership roles, he loved horses, camping, and traveling. James is survived by a daughter, Beth (Daniel) Van Gerpen; three sons, Brian (Kim) Emrich, David (Ginger) Emrich, and Michael (Nirasha) Emrich; nine grandchildren; a sister, Patricia Prendergast; a daughter-in-law, Lisa Emrich. He was preceded in death by two sons, Steven in 2017 and Daniel Emrich in 2020; a brother-in-law, John Pendergast in 2020. Visitation will be 2-7, Thursday, February 24, 2022 at Sheets and Childs Funeral Home, Huntertown Chapel, 16830 Lima Road Huntertown, IN 46748, with a Masonic Service at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Friday, February 25, 2022, at the funeral home, with calling one hour prior to service. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery, Huntertown. Memorials to Allen County Diabetes or Visiting Nurse and Hospice. Online note to the family at www.sheetsandchilds.com.