JAMES M. STIRN

JAMES M. STIRN, 78, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022. He was a very loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Born in Fort Wayne, he was a son of C. E. Stirn and Vanda (Taylor) Stirn. James was a 1962 graduate of South Side High School, in Fort Wayne. Upon graduating, James joined the United States Navy and was stationed in Scotland for many years. After going on a blind date with Nancy Bowman, they were married on May 8, 1971. James worked and retired from Harvester (Navistar). He later worked as a bus driver for Fort Wayne Community Schools, and drove the Bloodmobile for the American Red Cross. James was a member of the Fort Wayne Corvette Club, a 50 year member of the Summit City Masonic Lodge, a member of the Scottish Rite, and of the Mizpah Shrine. James loved spending time with his friends at Casa, in his community, his family and watching his grandchildren grow. He loved traveling to California by Route 66 with Nancy to visit their oldest daughter, Lis, and her family. Together they were able to explore San Francisco. James also enjoyed his time with his youngest daughter, Katie, at her family's lake house during the summer. James and Nancy were married for 49 1/2 years before she passed in 2021. Together they raised two daughters, Elisabeth (Corey) Moldes of Concord, Calif., and Katherine (Matthew) Freeman of Findlay, Ohio. James is also survived by his five grandchildren, Quinn, Lilli and Emmie Freeman, Aiden and Mia Moldes; nephews, Allan (Alyce) Swisher of Indianapolis, Ind., Jason (Colleen) Swisher of Fort Wayne and Ben (Amy) Moses of Indianapolis, Ind.; and sister-in-law, Betsy (Roger) Swisher of Fort Wayne. James was preceded in death by his parents, C.E. Stirn and Vanda Stirn; sister, Marcia Moses; and nephew, Steven Moses. A Masonic service and Celebration of Life service is 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, at Lindenwood Cemetery's Bohn Chapel, 2324 West Main St., Fort Wayne (IN 46808), with visitation and gathering one hour prior. Contributions in James' name can be made to Stillwater Hospice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Stirn family may be shared at www.klaehnfahlmeltonfunerals.com