Messner "Jim" James

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. —  Mr. James Allen “Jim” Messner, 68, devout and righteous aficionado of the athletic prowess of our Holy Mother of Notre Dame and resident of Port St. Lucie, FL, passed away peacefully at his home following a brief illness on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017.

            He was born Apr. 8, 1949 in Elkhart to the late Paul and Lucile (Shank) Messner, and later married Judy M. Dzialakiewicz on May 15, 1971. She survives at home in Florida.

            Surviving are his children Todd A. Messner of Port St. Lucie and Kimberly K. (Cicero Offerle) Elliott of Elkhart; sisters Rae Ann (Jerry) Lane and Linda (Travis) Burleson, both of Elkhart; and grandchildren Peighton Elliott and Xavier Offerle.

            Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart will host Jim’s memorial celebration of life services beginning with a visitation from 11am – 1 pm on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017, followed by a memorial service there at 1:00 pm. The Reverend Jason Freiburger of the St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church of Elkhart will officiate. In accordance with the family’s wishes, cremation has taken place.

            Jim sold mobile homes in the Michiana area for nearly 35 years, and was co-owner of Four Seasons Housing in Middlebury. He was also an enthusiastic youth soccer coach, and coached Concord Youth League Soccer for many years while his son, Todd and daughter, Kim were in school. Years later, Todd joined his father in coaching the Middlebury Youth League Soccer. To say Jim was a die-hard Notre Dame athletics fan would be an understatement. Whatever sport was in season, Jim could be found cheering on his Fighting Irish. He especially enjoyed watching the football and basketball teams, but he had an “on again-off again” love-hate relationship with Coach Kelly, dependent on the current success of his season. During bye weeks and in the “off season”, he enjoyed hunting and fishing as well.

            Memorial donations may be given to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, LaGrange Park, IL 60526.

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