James William Charles

James William Charles, 89, of Elkhart, passed away Sunday, March 20, 2022, at Greenleaf Health Campus.

He was born November 25, 1932, in Gosport, to Joseph H. Charles Sr. and Carrie Mable (Harding) Charles.

Mr. Charles is survived by a daughter, Susan (Randi) Stoneburner of Apollo Beach, Florida; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; four step-children, Ann (Herb) Priester of Walworth, Wisconsin, Tom (Georgia) Harle of Naperville, Illinois, David (Stephanie) Harle of Dadeville, Alabama and Rick (Gloria Rupert) Harle of Winnebago, Illinois.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by two wives, Lois Elaine Mapes and Evelyn (Northcraft) Harle; two sons, Ronald J. and Rick A. Charles; two brothers, Henry R. and Joseph H. Charles and a sister, Bertha E. Yeakey.

Mr. Charles worked for the New York Central Railroad, repairing signals, for 13 years, before moving to the Goshen Street Department and retiring in 1994.  He was a very devout Christian and very active in his churches.

He enjoyed woodworking and made many crosses for people to take.  He was a member of the Moose Lodge and Civil Defense.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 24, 2022, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Friday, from 10 until the 11 a.m. funeral service at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.  His nephew, Rev. Rex Charles will officiate.

Burial will follow in Violett Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to Bashor Children’s Home or Prostate Cancer Foundation.