James Allen Beehler, 52, of LaPorte, crossed the finish line into heaven surrounded by his crew members, his beloved family, on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014.
He was born Jan. 28, 1962, in LaPorte to Gerald A. and Janet Marie (Starkey) Beehler.
James worked as a machine operator at Jones Enterprise for 34 years. He enjoyed NASCAR, wrestling, showing off his Dale Earnhardt Jr. Monte Carlo, and especially spending time with his children and grandchildren.
On Jan. 27, 1990, he married Paula Coldiron, who survives.
Also surviving are his beloved children, Jacob (Tegra) Beehler and Patrick Beehler, both of LaPorte; stepdaughter, Pauline (Steven) Price of LaPorte; stepson, Scott Elkins of LaPorte; grandchildren, Madison, Malorie, Ameliya, Sativa, Indica, Chayson, Haylee, and Payton; father, Gerald (Ruby) Beehler; and sisters, Judy Hildebrand and Joyce (Brian) Becker.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Janet Marie Beehler.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Pastor (Uncle) John Beehler officiating. Visitation will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. until the service. A cremation committal will follow the service with burial to take place at Salem Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society, 130 Red Coach Dr., Mishawaka, IN 46545.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.