PLEASANT LAKE — James Arthur Grider, 77, of rural Pleasant Lake died on Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at Parkview Regional Heart Institute with his family by his side. Mr. Grider was born on Dec. 31, 1938, in Albany, Kentucky, to the late Frank and Ruby Arlee (Hancock) Grider. He was the seventh of nine children. In 1942, the family moved to Fort Wayne. He graduated from Central High School in 1957. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served in Germany, Libya and Oklahoma with the Strategic Air Command. On May 16, 1964, Jim married the love of his life, Linda Lou Brubaker. After an honorable discharge from the Air Force, he joined the Fort Wayne Police Department. He served in the city as a patrolman, detective and lieutenant in the department's safety division. In the 1970s, Jim was instrumental in the development of the FWPD Safety Village; he led the "Mike the Talking Bite" program that visited local schools. In 1976, he was nominated for the Lewis Schmidt American Legion policeman of the year award. Upon retirement in 1985, he became the maintenance, safety, and security supervisor at Bostwick-Braun in Ashley, Indiana. He coached P.A.L. football, Hudson Little League and Prairie Heights High School boys and girls golf. After full retirement, he was active with PHHS as an I.C.E. adult mentor, gray panther and was an avid and vocal PH athletics fan. He loved golfing and spending time with his loyal and dear friends at Cedar Lake Golf Course. Survivors include his wife; three children, Lisa (Doug) Terry, Jimbo (Julie) Grider and Jeff (Connie) Grider; and 10 grandchildren, Tyler (Marisa), Tianna (Dustin Cross), Tressa, Trevyn, Terry, Taylor (Jonas) Stillings, Christian, Michelle, Aubrey, Emma and Hayden Grider. The family will welcome visitors Saturday, May 21, 2016, from 5-7 p.m. at the Stroh Church of Christ, 4540 S. C.R. 1100W, Hudson, IN. Disposition of ashes will take place in a private ceremony at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Stroh Fire Department. Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville is in charge of arrangements. Send a condolence to the family at www.hitefuneralhome.com.