James "Jim" Orthman

James "Jim" Orthman, 78, passed away peacefully with wife by his side on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Jim was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana on April 14, 1947, son of the late Wilmer and Hester (Gronau) Orthman. He grew up in Woodburn, Indiana, where he spent his younger years until he later moved to Fort Wayne.

Jim was a very proud Navy veteran. He served for four years, three years on the tanker, USS Marias and one year on the USS Neosho. Returning to Indiana following the service, Jim worked several jobs before landing at Sheller Globe in Grabill. Later his career moved him to Micromatics in Berne where he worked as a mechanic to install equipment for the big three automakers. This allowed him to travel the country for his work, and blessedly his wife was able to travel with him. While he loved his job, he retired in 2012. Retirement allowed him to fully enjoy his lake home, boating, and fishing. He was an excellent bowler who participated in tournaments with his brother, Jack. And later, he enjoyed sitting in his sunroom at home watching the wildlife in his backyard. He was also a lifelong NASCAR fan cheering for his favorites – number 48 and 24!

Jim is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 35 years, Rosie Orthman; daughter, Angie Moore; sister-in-laws, Louise Orthman of Paulding, Ohio, Mary Bruce of Rome City, Indiana, Ofelia Morr of Kendallville, Indiana, and Sylvia (Mark) Stickroth of Oro Valley, Arizona; and brother-in-law, Donald Highwarden of Paulding, Ohio. He was also preceded in death by his brothers,Thomas (Dorothy) Orthman and Jack Orthman; sisters, Karen (David) McKeeman and Gloria Highwarden; and brother-in-law, Chuck Bruce.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at Advantage Funeral & Cremation, 2403 East Wallen Road Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. Pastor Dereck Fields will be officiating. Burial to follow the service at Highland Park Cemetery. Contributions in Jim's memory may be made to Heartland Hospice or Taylor Chapel.