Mr. James Eldridge Stelle

James Eldridge Stelle, 92, passed away August 13, 2026, in Fort Wayne, IN. He was born on January 16, 1934, the son of Eldridge Passmore and Alma May Heck. He graduated from Connersville High School in May of 1952. James was a U.S Navy Veteran and joined in 1952.

He studied at Indiana University and was an honors student before moving to Phoenix, Arizona and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree Division of technology and industry Electronics from Arizona State University in 1959. Earned an MBA from Arizona State in May 1966.

James lived in Phoenix Arizona for a few years then called Fort Wayne home since 1968.

He worked at Motorola and then Magnavox until retirement in 1993.

James was a patient and joyful teacher—guiding children through their first bike rides, roller skating adventures, bowling games, and matches on the basketball court and tennis court. He introduced young minds to the wonder of remote-control airplanes and model rockets, sharing his sense of curiosity and adventure. As a skilled builder and woodworker, he had a gift for finding practical solutions to life’s everyday problems.

His appetite for learning never waned. Well into his later years, he studied German and Spanish, lost himself in books, tackled word puzzles with relish, and connected with fellow enthusiasts through the Macintosh computer club. He loved photography. James was a fan of the Cincinnati Reds for serval years and a devoted Indiana University basketball fan. He played tennis for years. And no family gathering was complete without his famous grilled cheese sandwiches or burgers fresh off the grill.

Often people would say he looked like President Jimmy Carter.

He always stayed in contact with his sister Betty Jane and spent many hours on the phone. Lasting relationships were important to James and Georgia and they treasured their longtime friendship with Bill and Joy Poole.

James was Baptized June of 1974.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Georgia Mae Stelle (nee Knight), who were married June 4, 1960, also surviving are his sister Betty Jane Rike (nee Stelle), his two children Tim C. Stelle and Cynthia Stelle-Robert and her spouse Jessica Roberts, his granddaughter Johanna Mae Sturm, and his great-grandson, Georg Sturm—all of whom carry forward the lessons, laughter, and love he so freely gave.

He was preceded in death by his father Eldridge in 1998, mother, Alma May in 2007 and a nephew Ricky Ashenfelter in 1979.

Private services will be held later.

Memorials may be made to Cure Alzheimer's Fund 34 Washington St. Suite 230, Wellesley Hills MA. 02481 or Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter NE 7221 Engle Road Fort Wayne, IN 46804.

Arrangements entrusted to D.O. McComb and Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home 1140 Lake Ave. Fort Wayne IN. To sign the online guestbook go to www.mccombandsons.com