James "Jim" Ellsworth Whitcraft

James "Jim" E. Whitcraft, 78, passed away at home on July 8, 2021. Born in Lancaster, PA in 1942, Jim moved to North Manchester, IN via Chicago in 1953. Jim graduated in 1960 from Manchester High School where he was part of the first sectional basketball campions in school history. Jim moved to Ft. Wayne, in 1986.

In 1962, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Jane Hendrix, and just celebrated their 59th anniversary in March.

Jim worked for Peabody Seating Company in North Manchester, and Majestic Company in Huntington working his way up to VP of Manufacturing of both plants when they became part of American Standard. In 1981 he left American Standard and bought into Precise Manufacturing, Inc. in Fort Wayne and ran the company as president until his retirement in 2007. He continued on as a consultant at Precise until 2015.

Coming from humble beginnings, Jim had a full life with many interests. He enjoyed coaching throughout his life. He also enjoyed motorcycle riding/racing, boating and traveling with his grandkids to almost every state in his motor home. A kid at heart, he kept a barn full of "motorized toys" and a pond stocked full of fish for all to enjoy.

Surviving are his wife, Jane and three children, James "Jim" Whitcraft, Jr., Janice Whitcraft and John (Kathy) Whitcraft, all of Fort Wayne. Also surviving are Jim's siblings, Brenda Petry, Fay Jagger, Scott Whitcraft and Pam Metzger as well as six grandchildren, Kevin Lyons, Allison Whitcraft, Aidan Whitcraft, Kelli Erexson, Elizabeth Erexson and Adam Whitcraft.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributuions may be made to CASS housing by visiting casshousing.org.