James Harold Lothamer

Jim was born on April 12, 1934, to Ernest and Rose Lothamer, the 2nd eldest of eight children.

He married Barbra Ellen Bonnell who preceded him in death. They enjoyed 55 years

of marriage.

Jim was the President of Lothamer Distributing along with his business partner and wife Barbra -- a Distributorship for Little Debbie Snack Cakes for 50+ years.

Previously, Jim explored and succeeded at many different business ventures including the early years of lawn maintenance for the Catholic Cemetery, a bus driver for the City of Fort Wayne, and door-to-door sales for Electrolux Sweepers. He then ventured into the grocery wholesale sector as a Distributor for Pepperidge Farm Bread and Cookies. In addition to owning and operating their family farms for many years.

Hobbies included old cars (particularly Hudsons) and repairing tractors, mowers, and small engines.

Jim always had a smile on his face, a positive attitude, a listening ear, and a kind word for everyone. He never knew a stranger and made friends of all he met.

He was a life-long member of St.Jude Catholic Church and a regular volunteer for the St. Vincent de-Paul Society known as the “St. Vinneans;” which speaks to the

big-hearted person that Jim was.

Survivors include:

His children: Maurie (Julie) Lothamer of Angola, Rhonda (Roger) Coburn of

St. Joe, Benjamin Lothamer of Hawaii, Patrick Lothamer of Fort Wayne,

Teresa (Dave) Royer of Fort Wayne, and Nancy (Mike) Smith of New Haven; Grandchildren Rebecca (Joe) Bonta, Christine (Stephen) Musselman,

Andrew (Sarah) Royer, Eric and Brent Smith, Emily (Joe) Eckardt,

Luke and Jacob Lothamer; Great Grandchildren Joey, Shawn, Addie Rose,

and Nathan Bonta, Wesley and Ava Musselman, Talon and Aspen Royer,

and Jane Eckardt; Siblings Ernest (Karen) Lothamer, and sister Carol Ladouceur.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Dave, Lester, and

Daniel Lothamer, sisters, Gloria Schuster and Dorie Wynkoop.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 am, Tuesday, June 8th, at St. Jude Catholic Church,

2130 Pemberton Drive, Fort Wayne, with calling one-hour prior; Fr. Robert Schulte officiating. Visitation is Monday, June 7th, from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm at

D. O. McComb and Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, 4017 Maplecrest Road,

Fort Wayne, with 3:30pm Vigil. Burial in Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the St. Jude St. Vincent de Paul Society.