ELKHART— James Edward "Jim" Niemeyer, 80, of Elkhart passed away at home Sunday afternoon, Jan. 15,  surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born Jan. 6, 1937, in Teutopolis, Ill., to the late Arthur and Genevieve (Thoele) Niemeyer.

In addition to his parents, his brother, Melvin "Pat" Niemeyer, preceded Jim in death.

Jim married Elizabeth Jane "Betty" Kessler on Aug. 29, 1959, in Ste. Marie, Ill.

She survives along with three daughters; Jennifer (Josh) Wakeman of Elkhart, Janet (Dan) Frasca of Hinsdale, Ill and Joan (Bill) Brandt of Petaluma, Calif.; one son, John (Tami) Niemeyer of Beverly Hills, Mich. and 11 grandchildren.

Jim received a B.S. degree from St. Joseph's College in Rensselaer and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a master's degree from Purdue University.

Jim was a geologist and drilling specialist and retired from Amax Coal Co. in Indianapolis after 20 years of service.

Later, he was elected and served as Warrick County Surveyor in southern Indiana.

Jim cherished times spent with family, grilling, gardening and took pride in maintaining a pristine yard.

Jim will be honored with a Mass of Christian Burial at 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19. with a visitation one hour prior to the Mass at St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church, 1108 S. Main St., Elkhart.

Father Zachary Barry will officiate.

Arrangements are under the care of Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

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