James graduated from Bluffton High School in 1954, earned his Bachelor’s from Butler University in 1958, and completed his Master’s in Education from Indiana University in 1962. James was an Assistant Superintendent and Guidance Counselor with Northwest Allen County Schools for 33 years, and retired in 1997. He also was a Teacher and Coach in Shelbyville, Reelsville and Pennville, IN. James was a member of Covenant United Methodist Church, Phi Delta Theta, Indiana State Teacher’s Retired Association, and Elks Lodge # 796. He was a former volunteer at Turnstone Center and for Homebound Meals. James was an avid sports fan, and especially enjoyed St. Louis Cardinals Baseball, Butler and Ball State University Basketball. He is survived by his children, Jennifer (Lowell) Lindstrom of Glen Ellyn, Ill; William C. (Gretchen) Mallers, of Fort Wayne and Douglas J. (Tricia) Mallers, of Fort Wayne, IN; seven grandchildren, Will, Andrew and Carter Lindstrom, Audrey and Kyle Mallers, Jim and Mark Mallers, and a sister Martha J. Pautsch of Tallahassee, FL. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Patricia Mallers, sister, Mary K. Reilly, brothers, Robert Mallers, and William C. Mallers.
Visitation will be Wednesday, September 2, 2020 from 4-7 pm. at D.O. McComb and Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home (1320 East Dupont Road, Fort Wayne). Social distancing will be observed. A private memorial service and burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park will take place at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to Covenant United Methodist Church, M.S. Society, or Turnstone Center. To sign the online guestbook go to www.mccombandsons.com
