He was born to John Lawrence and Muriel (Salsbury) Penner on October 5, 1940 in Angola, Indiana.
Jim married Julie Brokaw on August 25, 1962 in Kendallville, Indiana.
He was owner & operator of Ray Grocery and also served as Fremont Town Clerk.
He graduated from Fremont High School and earned an associates degree from Michigan State.
Jim enjoyed farming, traveling and driving around in his truck. He loved talking to people and never met a stranger.
He is survived by a son, John Penner of Fremont, Indiana, and a daughter, Jennifer (Scott) Mixer of San Diego, California, two grandchildren, Kailey and Christian Mixer, a brother, Larry (Joann) Penner, of Fremont, Indiana, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife and his parents.
Calling hours will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 3, 2018, at Beams Funeral Home in Fremont.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 4, 2018 at Beams Funeral Home, Fremont with Reverend Darin Hendrey officiating.
Burial will be at Ray-Covenanter Cemetery of Fremont, Indiana. Memorials may be made to Ray-Covenanter Cemetery, PO Box 63, Fremont, IN 46737.
