James Leroy Waller

James L. Waller, 85 of Goshen died Monday morning, November 14, 2011, at IU Health Goshen Hospital from complications from congestive heart failure and diabetes. He was born December 20, 1925 in Memphis, Tennessee to James and Ruby (Gainer) Waller. He married Lois L. Nelson on December 21, 1945 in Chicago. He is survived by six children, James L. (Theresa) Waller, III of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Colleen L. (James A.) Krider of Goshen, Scott (Lynnea) Waller of Delavan, Wisconsin, Terrance T. (Teresa R.) Waller of Elkhart, Wendy A. (Terry V.) Kercher and Stacey A. (William E.) Bailey, both of Goshen; 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, James Waller, in July 1956; his mother, Ruby Waller, in Aug. 1991; and his wife, Lois, on July 13, 2001. A Goshen resident since June 1991, Mr. Waller was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Society and a lifetime member of the Goshen VFW Post #985. He volunteered as a Red Coat at Goshen Hospital. Mr. Waller went to school in Chicago to become a journeyman pressman. He lived and worked in Chicago, California, North Carolina and Dixon, Illinois where he retired in 1991 as a supervisor from Dixon Web Publishing. Following retirement and moving to Goshen, he worked part time at Troyer Foods, 21st Century Printing and Pratts Flowers. A WWII veteran, he served as a corporal with the US Marine Corps FIRST Marine Division in the South Pacific. He was wounded in the Battle of Peleliu where he earned his Purple Heart. Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, November 16, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home where a 5:45 Rosary will be recited with Deacon Dave Elchert presiding. A 10:00 a.m., Thursday, November 17, 2011, Funeral Mass will be conducted at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with Rev. Father Christopher Smith officiating. Burial, with military honors by the Goshen Honor Guard, will follow in Violett Cemetery, Goshen. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Catholic Church or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.