James "Jim" Edward Surgeon (James Petrie), 65, of La Porte, passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2015 at his home following a 4 1/2 year battle with colon cancer.
James was born in Galveston, TX, on August 21, 1949 to Robert D. Surgeon and Norma J. Decker.
On April 11, 1981 in La Porte, he married Marilyn Kay Rigler who survives. Also surviving are his beloved children, James R. (Wendy) Surgeon of Fish Lake and Daniel B. of Syracuse, IN; grandchildren, Paige Surgeon and Drake Surgeon; his sister, Patty (Gary) Kondek; step-mother, Marcia Surgeon; and step-sister, Mary Jo (Chuck) Dadlow.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Michael Petrie; sister, Janice Hiscox; and step-sister, Lucille Boes.
Jim was a 1968 La Porte High School Graduate. He served in the US Army from September 1968 to Dec 1970. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran Helicopter Pilot and received the Distinguished Flying Cross, The Air Medal, and a Purple Heart. Jim retired from Connors Automotive on November 29, 2011. He loved his God, Family, Country and he especially loved his grandchildren. Jim enjoyed golfing, reading, shooting pool, and Sunday dinners with his family. He always looked forward to the annual trip with his Vietnam friends; Dan (Eileen) Peterson of Henderson, NV, Joe (Linn) Fisher of CA, and Bruce (Carol) Mitchell of Marks, MS. Jim was a member of the Polish Falcons and Hamlet Golf Course.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, July 3, 2015 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center with Pastor Curtis Southwood officiating. Burial will follow at Kingsbury Cemetery, Kingsbury, IN with Full Military Honors.
A time of visitation will be held from 5-8 PM on Thursday, July 2, 2015 and from 10 AM until the time of service on Friday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to IU Health La Porte Cancer Foundation, 1007 Lincolnway, La Porte, IN 46350.
Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.