James L. Godschalk Jr.

Jim’s luck finally ran out. He passed away on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, at the age of 84. He would tell you he lived the American Dream and wanted nothing more for himself when it was his time to go. Jim lived his entire life in Fort Wayne and was a child of James and Imogene (Smith) Godschalk.

Jim owned or co-owned several businesses in the Fort Wayne area. Among those were Godschalk & Associates Insurance, Kendallville Insurance, Magic Snack Food Company, Covington Freight Lines and The Works (Lime- O- Sol Chemical Company). Jim graduated from North Side High School in 1955. He worked for WKJG television where at the age of 18 he directed several hours of live, weekly programming. He attended Indiana University, Fort Wayne. He served in the Air National Guard and spent some time on active duty during the 2nd Berlin Crisis.

Jim often remarked owning The Works made him and his partner financially comfortable, but it was working with his daughters at the insurance agency that gave him the most pleasure.

Jim was a long time member of First Presbyterian Church. He bowled, golfed, and researched genealogy on his computer. He liked to travel and he and his wife traveled the world. He loved watching IU basketball and Chicago Cubs but said “if it’s sports and on TV, I’ll watch.”

Jim is survived by his wife of 42 years, Gloria (Kerr) Godschalk; 5 daughters, Trina Gonya ( Bernie), Sherri Godschalk, Michelle Godschalk, Tonya Wine, Amy Richman (Skip); 6 grandchildren, Leia Bedwell (P. Michael), Christopher Peters, Amber Moody (Dustin), Izabella Richman, Xavier Richman and Cameron Wine; and 6 great-grandchildren. Also surviving Jim are his sister, Janice Ables (Thomas); sister-in-law, Heather Blundall; brother in-law, F. Edward Kerr (Jill); and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jim says “I hope my family enjoys life as I have, and I hope to have even more fun next time around!”

A funeral service to honor Jim's life will be held at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at D.O. McComb & Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, with visitation beginning at 11:00 am until time of service. He will be laid to rest at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial donations in his honor may be made to Community Harvest Food Bank, 999 E. Tillman Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46816; Helping Paws Pet Haven and Adoption PO Box 5261 Huntington, IN 46750 or Turnstone 3320 N. Clinton St. Fort Wayne, IN 46805. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Jim's family may be shared at www.McCombandSons.com.