James H. Creech

James H. Creech, age 73, of Nappanee, died at 2:19 pm, Saturday, May 22, 2021 at Elkhart General Hospital after a short illness.  He was born October 1, 1947 in Dayton, OH to Harold Creech and  Zola Turner.

Mr. Creech was a Vietnam Era Veteran of the United States Army.  He was a Specialist E-5 and was stationed in Ft. Irwin, Barstow, CA in the Mojare Desert.

Jim attended the Cincinnati Bible Seminary and also Wright State University, where he studied Law Enforcement and Criminal Law.  He joined the Warren County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff.  While serving as a Deputy, he graduated from the FBI Firearms Academy.  He was then promoted to Range Commander and taught firearms at the Police Academy.  He was with the Sheriff’s Department for 10 years, before moving to Nappanee in 1979.  After moving to Nappanee, he worked for Holiday Rambler before joining Creative Dimensions as their Financial Officer.  He then worked for Gulf Stream, where he worked until his retirement in 2014. 

Jim’s hobbies included woodworking, golf, gardening, any outdoor activities, and collecting old tools.  He was a member of the South Bend Scottish Rite and the Nappanee American Legion.

Surviving is his wife of 55 years, Pat; children, Leah (James) Blessing, Jennifer Bolt, James Dean (Jonnica) Creech; grandchildren, Joshua Blessing, Jessica Blessing, Megan Creech, Mathew Creech, Nathan Creech, Tyler Johnson, Samantha Bolt; great granddaughter, Gracelyn Icard; and sister, Virginia Plageman, Kenosha, WI.  He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Tonya Creech; and brothers, Robert and Edward Creech.

Family and friends may call from 4-7, Thursday, May 27, 2021 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee and for 1 hour prior to the 1:00 pm Funeral Service on Friday, May 28th, which will also be at the Funeral Home.  Burial with Military Graveside Rites by the Nappanee American Legion will be at Olive West Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Wounded Warriors.