James David Mehl

James David Mehl, age 73, of Goshen, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Greencroft Healthcare under the care of Goshen Hospice.

David was born on March 11, 1953, in Goshen, Indiana to Richard Wallace Mehl and Gertrude (Hurt) Mehl. A lifelong member of the Goshen community, David graduated from Goshen High School before attending Ball State University and later Ohio Northern University Law School.

David was proud to carry on the family tradition of practicing law as a fourth-generation Mehl attorney. He practiced law for more than 30 years, following in the footsteps of his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. David was motivated, hardworking, and a zealous advocate for his clients. That family tradition continued with his son, Ryan, who became the fifth generation of the Mehl lawyers.

David loved spending time on the lake, snow skiing, lunches at Dandino’s, drinking Diet Pepsi, and vacationing in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. David treasured time with his children and grandchildren and was a devoted provider for his family. He loved his family deeply and took great joy in watching his grandchildren grow.

He was famous among his family and friends for his great stories, his jokes, and his wonderful sense of humor. David loved to laugh, and he loved making other people laugh. He was blessed throughout his life with many friendships that were dear to him.

David attended church for most of his life and formally accepted Jesus Christ into his life on September 9, 2022. His family takes comfort in his faith and in knowing that his earthly life has ended, but his story has not.

David is survived by his son, Ryan (Nicole) Mehl of New Paris, Indiana; his four beloved grandchildren, Asher, Abram, Eden, and Grace Mehl; his daughter, Jillian (Mackenzie) Bentley, of Kansas City, Missouri; his siblings, Richard (Dana) Mehl, of Goshen, Indiana; Patricia (Mark) Crowder, of Goshen, Indiana; Debra (Ronald) Grubbs, of Fort Myers Beach, Florida; and his brother-in-law, Thomas Leatherman, of Goshen, Indiana.

David was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Rebecca Leatherman; and his nephew, Gregory Leatherman.

Visitation will be Friday, August 7, 2026 beginning at 10 a.m. prior to the 1 p.m. funeral service at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.

Burial will follow at Violett Cemetery, Goshen.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the Greencroft Foundation.