James J. Eiler, 65, of LaPorte, left his home on earth and entered eternity in Heaven Dec. 6, 2013, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.
He was born July 30,1948.
His father Charles Eiler, sister Janet, and brothers Jerry, Jay, Jeff and Rex Eiler preceded him.
Jim grew up in LaPorte, graduating from LaPorte High School, where he played softball and football. He graduated from Indiana University South Bend with a degree in sales and marketing. He was a licensed pastor through Vineyard Church and a graduate of Bethel School of Supernatural Ministries Chicagoland.
Jim and his wife Betty served in ministry in LaPorte over the past 18 years as the directors of Noah’s Ark Preschool and Daycare. Jim was an associate pastor at Vineyard Church of La Porte / The River and pastored the Vineyard Church of Plymouth/ River Of Life Christian Fellowship. Jim returned to LaPorte, where he continued his ministry. Jim loved the Lord and His Word. He loved to teach and he mentored many. His legacy will live on through them. Jim was an evangelist and shared the love of Jesus with everyone he met. He lived his life as an example to others of what he believed. Jim always smiled and loved everyone. He will be missed but not forgotten. His life verse was Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.”
Remaining behind are Betty, his wife of 32 years; their daughter, Jamie Magner, her husband Jeff and their three children, Alex Eiler, Mya and Megan Magner; son, Tommie Hajostek and his wife, Julie; son, Michael and his daughters Jonelle and Cheyanne; daughter, Becky Klawkowski, her husband John and their children, Josh, Ben, Cassie and Gavi; one great-grandchild, Max Klawkowski; his mother, Donna (Keller) Eiler; older brother John Eiler Jr. and his wife Betty Lou; sister, Diana (Jeanie) Price; several nieces and nephews; and “family” and friends.
A graveside committal service will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at Oak Grove Cemetery. Family and friends will then gather at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, for a time of visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with Pastor Jack Balon officiating. Following the service, a carry-in dinner will be held at The River Of Life International Ministries, 2699 N. Ind. 39, LaPorte.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.