James Albert Long II

Dr. James "Jim" Albert Long II, 79, of Fort Wayne passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 6, at Parkview Regional Center in Fort Wayne. Dr. Long was born in Galveston, Texas on November 18, 1943. Dr. Long began his practice as an optometrist in Fort Wayne in 1969 after receiving his doctorate degree in optometry at Indiana University in Bloomington. In December of 2021 he retired and was recognized by the American Optometric Association for his many years of loyal and dedicated service. A meritorious service award was given by the Indiana Optometric Association for grateful service to the many years in the profession of optometry. Jim visited many schools in northern Indiana in addition to his practice in Fort Wayne to administer eye examinations and visual training for young students with vision needs. Jim belonged to the Omega Epsilon Phi (International Optometric Fraternity) at Indiana University, a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, and a Diplomate of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. He presided as president of the Anthony Wayne Rotary Club from 1991-1992 and received an outstanding service award for over 30 years of dedication to Anthony Wayne Rotary. Rotary International recognized him as a Paul Harris Fellow recipient for the assistance given for furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations between peoples of the world. Jim became a Mason of the Summit City Lodge on May 11, 1983. Dr. Long had been a member of Bethel Ministries since 1975 serving in many capacities including missions outreach, worship, trustee, and as an adult Sunday School teacher of the Koinonia class. Jim always studied the Bible daily during his life. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, a retired teacher of Carroll High School, Fort Wayne. They first met in graduate school in Bloomington in 1966 and were married July 29, 1969 in Akron, Ohio, at Oak Hill United Presbyterian Church. Also surviving is a brother-in-law, Dr. Ken Myers, of Big Rapids, Michigan. Margaret Long, Jim's mother, preceded him in death. A private graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Defiance, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in Jim's name to the Bethel Ministries of Fort Wayne, Inc., 8405 Lima Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46818. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.mccombandsons.com.