James Otis Keffaber

James Otis Keffaber, 81, of rural Wabash, Indiana, died at 11:28 am, Friday, January 23, 2026, at his home. He was born on October 5, 1944, in Marion, Indiana, to Otis E. and Mary Katherine (Schoby) Keffaber.

Jim was a 1962 graduate of Noble Township High School and went on to earn his degree from Ball State University Teachers College. He later completed his Master's Degree in Elementary Education at St. Francis University. On April 26, 1963, he married Carol Thrush at Bachelor Creek Church of Christ in Wabash.

Jim taught for eight years at Swayzee Elementary School, where he cared deeply for his students. Although he was a dedicated educator, farming was his true passion, and he spent more than 55 years working the land he loved. He co-founded Thrush Keffaber farms with his father-in-law, farmed with his cousin, Randy Thrush, and he thoroughly enjoyed sharing his love of farming with his children. He was an active member of Bachelor Creek Church of Christ, the Richvalley Lions Club, and served for several years on the REMC board. He also served as Wabash Valley Representative for the Electric Corporation and was a longtime volunteer for the Wabash 4H Swine Program.

Family was at the center of Jim's world. He rarely missed an opportunity to watch his grandchildren in their activities, and he took great pride in making sure each of them had a car when they graduated high school. He enjoyed following cross country and always supported local talent with enthusiasm. A devoted Purdue fan, Jim was especially proud that all of his children graduated from Purdue University.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Keffaber of Wabash, three children, Tony (Connie) Keffaber of Franklin, Tennessee, Todd (Barb) Keffaber of Freeport, Florida, and Shelly (Mark) Witmer of Roanoke, Indiana, nine grandchildren; Brianna Hall, Bryan (Kelsey) Schmidt, Ciara (Steffan) Short, Jenna (Jacob) Jewell, Connor (Jensen) Keffaber, Kelly Schmidt, Nathaniel (Hannah) Witmer, Natalie (Adam) Cook, and Gretchen Witmer, six great-grandchildren; Johnathan Schmidt, Charlotte Schmidt, Keegan Short, Avery Short, Theo James Keffaber, and Bryson Cox, and siblings, Stephen (Esther) Keffaber of North Manchester, Indiana, Kathleen (Dave) Kellam of Plymouth, Indiana, Kristine (Larry) Dickinson of Lagrange, Indiana, Lola (Charles) Smith of Lafayette, Indiana, and Kerry (Betsy) Keffaber of Fishers, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be 10:30 am, Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Bachelor Creek Church of Christ, 2147 N. State Road 15, Wabash, with David Stokes officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawns Cemetery, Wabash. Friends may call 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Wednesday at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave, Wabash.

Preferred memorial is the Wabash County 4-H.

The memorial guest book for Jim may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.