James E. Belschner

James E. Belschner, age 91, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 with his family at his bedside. He was born in Fort Wayne, June 20, 1930 to George and Mable Belschner and he attended Central High School. James worked for Kroger as head meat cutter and manager, distributed beer for Three Rivers Beverage, was part owner of the Broadway Grill, in Fort Wayne with John Markoff for several years and they also dealt in and sold antiques together. He then became owner of the Hamilton Rib Room, in Hamilton, Ind. with his wife Betty Lou, daughter Susan, and son-in-law Albert. Jim loved to cook and bake; he would get requests for his pineapple upside down cake several times a year as well as his fudge at the holidays. His bread pudding and apple dumplings were another family favorite. No matter what he “whipped” up in the kitchen it was delicious, never a flop! After cooking, his favorite pastime was gambling. He loved visiting Las Vegas and going to FireKeepers Casino with his best friend John Markoff. When at home, you could find him daily sitting at the kitchen table playing a game or two of solitaire. Win or lose, no matter what, after a game or 2, he would scoop the cards up, put them away and say “that’s it, no more”. His favorite holiday was Christmas. He would add 100’s of ornaments to the tree and then squeeze in just “one more strand of lights”. He was a member of New Haven Navy Club Ship 245. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty Lou, son Michael (Diana) Mason, Warsaw, Ind; daughters, Susan (Albert) McBride, Leo, Ind., Jill Harris of New Haven, Ind.; grandchildren Amy (Paul) Woodward, Bluffton, Ind., Angela (Dan) Rich, of Fort Wayne, Ind., Tony Mason, of Washington D.C., Sara (Jeff) Mills, of New Haven, Ind., Lily Davenport and Leilani Davenport, both of Fort Wayne, Ind.; great-grandchildren, Bradley Woodward, Caleb Woodward, Dustin Woodward and Levi Woodward, of Bluffton, Ind., Maggie Rich, of Fort Wayne, Ind., Sabrina Walker, of Fort Wayne, Ind. and Natalia Walker of Monroe, GA. He also leaves behind to cherish his memory, nieces, nephews and many great friends he made over the years. Jim was predeceased in death by his daughter, Gaile Davenport; grandson, Nelson Mason; parents, George and Mable Belschner; brothers Eugene Belschner, George Belschner, Jr. and Richard Belschner; and sisters, Norma Arnold and Judy Brown. His BEST BUDDY Jake is waiting at the Golden Gates to go for his daily walk once again. Per his wishes, the family gathered for a private memorial and Celebration of Life luncheon. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to Dementia Friends Indiana, the American Heart Association, Humane Fort Wayne or to the donors choice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.advantagemungovan.com for the Belschner family.