GRANGER — James E. Huffman, 77, Granger, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, surrounded by family, who took great comfort knowing that he was met in Heaven by God and his daughter, Cynthia, after a life very well lived. He was born on March 20, 1937, in Fort Wayne to Clarence and Ruth Huffman. Mr. Hufman joined the Marine Corps Reserves at the age of 17 and graduated from South Side High School, Fort Wayne, in 1955. Jim went to IU and Ball State. He married Jean Ellen Kammerer on Dec. 20, 1959, in St. John Lutheran Church in Kendallville, Indiana. They were blessed with four children: Deborah Ellen, Laura Elizabeth, Cynthia Elaine and Matthew Edward. He had a 42-year career with International Harvester/Navistar, retiring in 2002. Initially hired as a clerk typist in 1960, he became a highly-respected executive, leading teams in financial analysis and manufacturing accounting. Jim traveled throughout the world and his favorite was Johannesburg, South Africa. Transfers and promotions took them from Fort Wayne to Chicago to Springfield, Ohio; back to Chicago and finally to Monterrey, Mexico. They returned to Granger, Indiana, and their cottage on Eagle Island on Waldron Lake. Jim worked hard throughout his career and was an incredible team with Jean. Jim taught his children to embrace their educations and careers and, equally important, to always have fun at work. Jim and Jean were gracious and generous hosts who loved to entertain guests in their homes. Jim was also a fantastic storyteller; his stories will remain with us always. Since moving to Granger, Jim and Jean have been very active with their congregation at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Niles, Michigan. He served as the president of the congregation for the past 10 years. Jim believed very much in giving back, and being kinder than necessary. He truly enjoyed serving God and others while being a leader within his congregation. Jim leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Jean, and their children, Deborah Deutsch (Dennis Barnum), Laura Windahl (John), and Matthew Huffman (Kari). He was a wonderful Grampy to Luke and Kendall Deutsch, Adam Voss and Justin Voss, Lily and Conor James Huffman. Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Cynthia, on July 11, 2013; his parents; his mother and father-in-law; two brother-in-laws; and a sister-in-law. Visitation is at McGann Hay Funerals, Cremations, Gatherings, Granger Chapel, 13260 S.R. 23, (enter off Cherry Road) today, Tuesday, from 5-8 p.m. EST. Funeral services are at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Niles, Michigan, Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 11 a.m. EST. Family will receive visitors an hour prior at church. Dinner will follow. Burial will be Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Corunna, Indiana, on Thursday at 11 a.m. ,EST, with Pastor Carl Bassett presiding. Memorials are to St. Paul's Lutheran Church. To send online condolences go to www.McGannHay.com.