James Silas Laidig, 75, of Bremen, passed away peacefully at 11:10 am, Tuesday, April 10, 2018 in his home surrounded by family. Jim was born on March 4, 1943, the son of the late Silas and Pauline (Binkele) Laidig. On March 25, 1962, he married the love of his life, Barbara Manges. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara; their four children, Donna (Pete) Goetzmann of Gardner, KS, Tim (Lisa) Laidig of Bremen, Melissa Phelps of Bremen, and Wendy (Jim) Walmsley of Avilla, IN; 13 grandchildren, Ryan Goetzmann, Brett Goetzmann, Jenna Goetzmann, Tyler Goetzmann, Brandon Laidig, Brenna Laidig, Emily Cole, Trenton Laidig, Jacob Phelps, Justin Phelps, Micah Phelps, Tate Walmsley, and Bree Walmsley. He is also survived by five siblings, Juanita Laidig of Goshen, Karen (Darrel) Sommers of Goshen, Sharon (Walt) Rager of Toledo, OH, Roger (Susan) Laidig of Mishawaka, and Linda Smith of Ft. Wayne. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Eldon Laidig and brother-in-law, Bob Smith. Jim graduated from Madison Township High School with the class of 1961. After high school, he pursued his passion of farming by joining his father’s grain and livestock farm. He took over operations of the farm after his father’s passing and for the past 30 years has been in partnership with his son on the family farm. Jim was a very active member of Community Gospel Church of Bremen, serving as Elder, Youth Leader and Sunday School Teacher. Jim and Barb have faithfully been attending Nappanee Missionary Church for the past several years. He was a very generous and compassionate man who would always be there to help those in need. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, who cherished his grandchildren and enjoyed attending all their sporting events and activities. Visitation will be held from 2:00-8:00 pm, Friday, April 13, 2018 at Nappanee Missionary Church Chapel, 70417 St. Rd. 19 North, Nappanee. A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at 10:30 am, Saturday, April 14, 2018 in Nappanee Missionary Church Worship Center. Pastor Joe Focht will officiate. A private family burial will take place in Bremen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to Nappanee Missionary Church Global Impact, P.O Box 110, Nappanee, IN 46550 or Transformation Ministries, P.O. Box 110, Nappanee, IN 46550.
