James O. “Jim” Lehman

James O. “Jim” Lehman, 86, of Geneva, Indiana was ushered into the presence of our Lord and Savior early Friday morning, May 19, 2023, surrounded by his family at his residence.

Jim was born on November 17, 1936, at the family home in Hartford Township. He was the seventh-born child of the late Tillman Homer Lehman and the late Edna E. (Spichiger) Lehman. Jim was united in marriage to Bonnie L. Augsburger on July 23, 1960, at First Mennonite Church in Berne, Indiana.

He was a devoted member of Grace Bible Church in Berne, Indiana, where he served in various capacities lending his time generously. Jim served as a Deacon, Trustee, and Elder within Grace Bible Church over the years. His commitment to his faith and his community was evident in the countless hours he spent helping others, whether by lending a hand, offering encouragement, or sharing his wisdom.

Throughout his life, Jim was dedicated to working hard and providing for his family. He spent many years at Franklin Electric. In addition, Jim was a Hartford Township farmer and raised pigs. Jim was born and grew up on the farm begun by his grandparents David and Magdalena Spichiger. The farm today has continued to stay in the family for over 130 years beginning in 1891, and Jim passed away in the same home he was born in.

Jim had a talent for metal fabrication, a skill he used to create various different “inventions”. Jim was also an avid I.U. Basketball fan and enjoyed playing cards and games with family and friends. Above all, Jim cherished his family and grandchildren. He was happiest when surrounded by his loved ones, and he took every opportunity to lend his support, offer his guidance, and share his love.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Bonnie Lehman of Geneva, Indiana; daughter, Kim (Denny) Ladig of Angola, Indiana; son, Kirk Lehman of Geneva, Indiana; son, Kraig (Hope) Lehman of Muncie, Indiana; sister, Winifred Pierson of Bozeman, Montana; brother, Winston (Vicki) Lehman of Berne, Indiana; sister, Lilah (Bill) Gustafson of Akron, Ohio; nine grandchildren, Nicholas (Kasey) Ladig, Johnathan Ladig, Jordan (Taylor) Ladig, Spencer (Desirae) Ladig, Hope (Tristan) Noble, Chase (Breannah) Lehman, Peyton (Audrey) Lehman, Xander Lehman, and Rachel Lehman; and 18 great-grandchildren, Christian Ladig, Camden Ladig, Corbin Ladig, Colton Ladig, Braden Wood, Malorie Wood, Bella Ladig, Brooklyn Ladig, Jaxson Ladig, Logan Ladig, Hannah Ladig, Emmett Ladig, Aaliyah Downing, Josiah Downing, Sharlah Ladig, Maxine Noble, Willow Noble, and Maggie Lehman.

Jim was preceded in death by three brothers, Kenneth D., Curtis O., and Samuel G. Lehman; three sisters, Ruth Harvey, Rebecca H. Ringenberg, and Grace M. Lehman and one granddaughter, Edon Ladig.

A funeral service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 25, 2023, at Grace Bible Church in Berne, Indiana with Rev. Dr. Jeff Gaskill officiating. Burial will follow in M.R.E. Cemetery in Berne, Indiana.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne, Indiana, and one hour prior at the church Thursday.

Preferred memorials can be given to Youth for Christ – Muncie, Miracle Hill, or Grace Bible Church.

Arrangements by Zwick and Jahn Funeral Homes, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel of Berne, Indiana