James E. Short

James E. Short, 61, of Goshen, died peacefully at home early Sunday morning, March 4, 2012, surrounded by his family and loved ones. Jim was born the fourth of six children, April 15, 1950 in Wauseon, Ohio to Elden and Erma (Holsopple) Short. He married Mary Jo Hartzler June 8, 1974, at College Mennonite Church, Goshen. She survives, along with their children, Kelly (Matt) Muhonen of Pasadena, California, Brian Short of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Elisabeth "Libby" Short of Goshen; four brothers, Lee (Jan) of Archbold, Ohio, Richard and Robert (Sara) both of Wauseon, Ohio and Gene (Rebekah) of Goshen; and a sister, Darlene (Dick) Ramon of Amelia, Ohio. Jim graduated from Goshen College in 1972 with a business degree and became a Certified Public Accountant in 1976. He worked in accounting for several area businesses until 1986 when opened his own CPA practice. Following his original illness in September 1987, Jim underwent numerous surgeries and faced many physical challenges over a period of 25 years. He learned to walk again and for years he got up early in the morning to walk in the Cardiac Rehab program. Throughout it all Jim remained his positive "incurable optimist" self. Highlights of his life included SST in Nicaragua and later returning to work there with Mennonite Disaster Service. He also travelled to Europe, Puerto Rico and about forty of the continental states and especially enjoyed the national parks. In recent months he repeatedly said that one of his greatest joys in life was being able to see his children grow into wonderful adults. He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends. Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday, March 10 in the Gathering Room at College Mennonite Church. A 3 p.m., Sunday, March 11, 2012, memorial service will be held at College Mennonite Church with Pastors Phil Waite and Pamela Yoder officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Goshen College Business Department, Jubilee Fund at College Mennonite Church or Goshen Care at Home Hospice.