Elmer "Jim" James Janda, age 95, of La Porte, passed away on April 15, 2014 at Franciscan Communities Hospice, Michigan City, IN.
He was born in Chicago, IL, on September 11, 1918 to James V. and Emma (Mulac) Janda.
On September 5, 1945 in New Buffalo, MI, he married Edna Block who preceded him in death. Surviving are his beloved daughter, Sharon Wilson of La Porte; 2 grandsons, Michael (Doni) Rosentreter of Kingsford Heights, Jeff (Lisa) Rosentreter of Chattanooga, TN; former son-in-law, Roy Wilson; 3 great granddaughters, Kristen Morris of La Porte, Lauren Rosentreter of Nashville, TN, and Meagen (Lance) Dowlen of Ft. Hood, TX.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Edna Janda; and granddaughter, Deborah Morris.
Elmer was a Special Services Army Veteran of WWII. He played saxophone and clarinet in the Dick Anderson Dance Band from the 1940's -1978. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, and the Chicago Cubs baseball team. Elmer retired from Berkel Company, formerly the US Slicing Machine Company.
A Cremation committal will take place at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center and a Graveside Memorial Service will take place at a later time at Patton Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the charity of the donor's choice.
Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.