James Dale Checkley

James Dale Checkley, 84, of Middlebury, passed away Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born July 11, 1941, in Elkhart, Indiana, to Donald and Catherine Checkley. Jim married Ann G. Erickson on July 8, 1962, at Augustana Lutheran, Elkhart, Indiana. She preceded him in death on Nov. 1, 2021.

Jim graduated from Bristol High School, Class of 1960. He started Precision Stamping in 1997 with his three sons and retired in 2006. Jim had a wonderful personality and never met a stranger. He enjoyed road racing and building hot rods. He had a special love for custom cars and enjoyed going to car shows. His true love in life was his late wife, Ann; he missed her so much. Jim enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, he will be sadly missed.

Jim is survived by his sons, Todd (Paula) Checkley of Goshen, Indiana, Brian (Lauren) Checkley of Middlebury, Indiana, and Brad (Amy) Checkley of Middlebury, Indiana; grandchildren Olivia (JJ) LaBounty, Abigail Checkley, Natalie Checkley, Gloria Checkley, Haley (Sajed) Dosenbach, Riley Checkley and Benjamin Checkley; and his brother, David Checkley of Blissfield, Michigan. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother Tommy Checkley and sister-in-law Marie Checkley.

Visitation will be 3 to 7 pm Wednesday, Nov. 12, at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514. In memory of Jim, his family will be wearing their favorite car show T-shirt on Wednesday, and they have asked everyone to do the same. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, with visitation one hour before services at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Oakridge Cemetery, Bristol, Indiana.

Memorials for Jim may be given to Wounded Warrior Project 230 W. Monroe St., Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60606, www.wounded warriorproject.org. Online condolences may be made in memory of Jim at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com.