James D. Sonntag

James Dale Sonntag, 74, of Middlebury, Indiana was called home to Glory by his precious Lord at sunrise on June 21, 2026 following a 6-month battle with brain cancer.

He was born March 22, 1952 to Russel James Sonntag and Luella Mae (Lorenz) Sonntag .

On December 30, 1972, he married his beloved wife of 53 years, Paula (Dublak) Sonntag, who survives. Also surviving are four daughters: Charissa (Scott) Schmidt of Black Creek, WI; Chara (Peter) Liang of Middlebury, IN; Elizabeth Sonntag of Huntington, IN, and Evangeleen Sonntag of Middlebury, IN; seven grandchildren, special Aunt Kathy Lorenz of Lansing, IL, two nephews, many wonderful cousins and faithful friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Joel James, in November 2025. He was also preceded in death by his parents, and by his sister Delrae (Ron) (Sonntag) Smolen. Jim graduated from Thornton Fractional South High School, Lansing, IL, in 1970 and from Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN in 1976 with a degree in Construction Management. Over the course of his more than 40-year career, he was employed by Rieth-Riley Construction, Goshen, IN; Niblock Excavating, Bristol, IN; and E&B Paving, Rochester, IN. Jim’s passion in life was serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a member of Pine Ridge Bible Church, Goshen, IN, where he served as an Elder, Sunday School teacher, and AWANA helper. Jim was honored to be a member of the Board of Directors for World Missionary Press in New Paris, IN, where he also worked as a volunteer for many years. Another regular enjoyment for Jim was being involved with Men’s Bible Study Fellowship. He also served in Child Evangelism’s Happy Day Clubs, Bristol, IN and volunteered with Soles for Jesus, Milwaukee, WI.

With his family and good friends, Jim participated in the Joyful Noise Music Makers for many years, playing saxophone and recorder for gospel programs at retirement centers, nursing homes, churches, and festivals. Jim was profoundly grateful for his years as Grandpa to his most precious grandchildren, who brought him many laughs and much joy. Jim will be deeply missed by his loving family who “grieve not as having no hope” (I Thessalonians 4:12) but who rejoice in and look forward to the time when “we shall be reunited to be forever with the Lord” (| Thessalonians 4:17). A private family graveside service will be held at Forest Grove Cemetery, Middlebury. Public visitation will be on Friday, July 10, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Pine Ridge Bible Church, 16769 C.R. 20, Goshen. There will also be an hour of visitation on Saturday, July 11, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. prior to the 3:00 p.m. Celebration of Life Service at Pine Ridge Bible Church, Goshen, IN. Memorial contributions may be made to World Missionary Press, New Paris, IN 46553; https://www.wmpress.org/.

Yoder-Culp Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.