James Rodenbeck

AVILLA - James (Jim) Allen Rodenbeck, age 82, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.

Jim was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on Jan. 13, 1943, to Henry and Mary (Gamble) Rodenbeck.

He grew up in Huntertown, Indiana, where he graduated from Huntertown High School in 1962, and married his high school sweetheart, Gail Thompson; they were married for 63 years.

Jim was always on the lookout for a new adventure, never idle, always doing something. In 1962, he started working at International Harvester in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and then he worked for a short time for Billy Best Mobile Homes, moving trailers. He and Gail then bought a farm outside Avilla and milked cows up until he bought a different farm near Lisbon, Indiana, and started selling farm equipment. In 1983, he sold that farm and bought Parker Hall/ Hi-Vue Drive-In theater, S.R. 3, and carried on the farm equipment business. He had a brain aneurysm in 1990, sold the equipment business and he and Gail briefly lived in Kendallville, where they owned and operated a car wash on U.S. 6. During that time, he started his own real estate business. He also was a partner in the development of Storlok Self Storage in Fort Wayne, Indiana, which he later sold.

The next move was to Beechwood Farm. Together they created 120 acres of wetlands and trails. It was beautiful sanctuary enjoyed by many. His final move was to Avilla when Jim had his first stroke in 2019, and officially slowed down. He remained vigilant in keeping himself healthy by riding his bike and attending physical therapy religiously and he made a point to keep up with his business connections, friends and family.

He also enjoyed devouring Ma's (Gail) cinnamon rolls, much like the rest of us. He loved visits from the grandkids, family gatherings and staying busy. He kept up with all the sports, his favorite was watching NBA basketball.

He is survived by his wife, Gail (Thompson) Rodenbeck; his sister, Joyce (Merle) Young; two sons, Marvin (Renee) Rodenbeck and Bret (Deanna) Rodenbeck; and a daughter, Carla (Scott) Butler. He has 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, which he will always be known to them, affectionately, as "Pa".

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Rodenbeck and Mary (Gamble) Freck; a stepfather, Loren (Steve) Freck; and two daughters, Jill Rodenbeck and Rachel (Schenher) Rodenbeck.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Fairview Fellowship Church, 615 Professional Way, Kendallville, Indiana, on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, from 1-4 p.m.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Apple Tree Center (for community meals) or Fairview Fellowship Church.

Jim's final resting place will be at Hooper King Cemetery, Avilla, Indiana, with a private family service at a later date.

To sign the online guestbook or to leave a condolence, visit www.harperfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by Harper Funeral Homes - Avilla Chapel, 530 N. Main St., Avilla.