James "Jim" A. Leutz, Age 77, of Garrett, IN and formerly of Sylvania, Ohio passed away Tuesday, August 26, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

James was hard working, gentle, loving, caring!

He never complained, not even about one of the most painful battles with pancreatic cancer!

Jim, on a life-changing day in May 1978, invited the Lord into his heart & life. From that point on, nothing was ever the same. He stopped drinking, cussing & smoking. It's difficult when you have addictions, but by God's grace, God turned those addictions into victories.

Jim loved his country & joined the Army at the age of 17. He spent a year as an expert marksman, boots on the ground in Vietnam, and a total of 5 years in many other countries. Upon discharge, he married his wife Karen & together they faithfully served the Lord. Jim was an usher and trustee at his church; he & his wife taught & led children's church for nearly 18 years.

Jim faced pancreatic cancer with unwavering strength and determination, always on his own terms and with a clear sense of purpose. His resilience was a testament to his character, and he never once voiced a complaint.

The world feels a little dimmer without him. But the love he gave — the lessons he taught, the strength he showed, and the memories he gave us — will never fade.

Jim was hospitalized often & loved to control the atmosphere around him with humor. The nurses said that when they had a difficult patient, they would always go to his room because no matter how ill he was, he always made them laugh and expressed gratitude for their help. Always a joy, never complained.

He loved his family dearly & always looked forward to their visits—a time of sharing silly stories, teasing & granddaughters giving him massages & hugs.

Surviving are Karen- his loving wife of more than 55 years, his loving daughter & son in law: Lisa & Jerry Ott, 15 grandchildren & many great-grandchildren, Sisters - Doris Presley, Peggy Bailey & Robin Cooper, and his special friend, with whom he shared Bible passages, HOA meetings & many visits over the last 3+ years—Dustin Knight & family.

Jim was preceded in death by his dad, Ralph Leutz, and his mother, Faye Williams Koch, and five angel grandbabies.

Visitation will take place from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, August 28, 2025 and from 10-11 a.m. Friday, August 29 2025 at Thomas Funeral Home, 1277 C.R. 56, Garrett, IN

Services will take place at 11 a.m. Friday at Thomas Funeral Home with Pastor Robert Boston of New Hope Baptist Church – Kendallville, IN officiating.

Burial will take place in Christian Union Cemetery – Garrett, IN

Memorials are to New Hope Baptist Church

We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported us during this challenging time. Your help, time, prayers, visits, cards, gift baskets, and gift cards, as well as your practical assistance with snow shoveling and lawn mowing, were invaluable. We also want to thank our church family at New Hope Baptist Church in Kendallville for their visits, cards, texts, prayers, and love, and the compassionate care provided by Hospice Care & Comfort.

New Hope Baptist Church - Kendallville, IN