OBITUARY FROM REES FUNERAL HOME WEBSITE, JANUARY 12, 2013:
James H. LaFevre, age 67, of Valparaiso, passed away Friday, January 11, 2013 in Tennessee. Jim was born on December 14, 1945 in Gary to Herbert and Mary Chestel LaFevre. He was a lifelong area resident and a member of the Hobart VFW Post #5365 and the Portage Izaak Walton League. Jim served in the United States Army in Vietnam and also in the USAR 12th Special Forces. He enjoyed traveling, especially to his annual reunions with his army buddies. Jim will be very deeply missed by his family and friends.
Jim is survived by his son, Jamie LaFevre of Valparaiso; daughter, Jennifer LaFevre of Hobart; brother, Jack LaFevre of Manchester, TN; other loving family and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeremy, his parents, and his sister, June Pangburn.
A visitation for Jim will be Wednesday, January 16, 2013 from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd., Hobart. There will be a VFW Service at 7:00 p.m. followed by military honors. For information, please call (219) 942-2109 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.
This information was obtained from: http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=1902709&fh_id=12324.
William (Bill) Osborn (1964)
Jim was a good friend growing up in Hobart and an even better one these last few years. He was always upbeat and positive and always glad to talk when I called him for the latest Hobart news. He should be remembered as the driving force behind our last reunion in 96 which for all those who attended was a great 50th birthday party. I'll miss those phone calls.
Thanks Jim for being in my life. You will be greatly missed by all of your friends.
Bill Osborn
Ray DeMeyer (1964)
Memory -
the Great Brawl of 59 or 60 - site - Hobart Jumior High - track outside showers Brickie Bowl
back story - Jim smushed a banana on my face - I retaliated with an orange to the top of his head
the action - after class that afternoon, we met for the showdown - mano e mano, bare knuckles - the skirmish went on for at least 90 seconds, maybe even 120 (mostly circling counterclockwise) - punches missed and then we grappled - somebody said Russ Deal was coming and everybody ran in all directions
next week we were chasing girls again as wingmen
it was better and simpler then
Bud
Judi Parks (1964)
I will always remember Jim as being kind, sweet, and lots of fun! I was looking forward to seeing him at our reunion and I will miss his smiling face and gentle presence.
These losses are the hardest for me to face as I become "old." I am one who has really fond memories of my school years and the many classmates who were in my teenage life in a wonderful town - "Hobart, Indiana."
Rest in peace, dear Jim!
Judi Parks
Classmate 1964
Ivan Hiestand (1964)
A good friend, a good man to all that crossed his path. He was very proud to have served his country and he will be missed by those of us that had the pleasure of "Frenchy's" friendship.
James (Jim) Garretty (1964)
I have been away from Hobart for many years but almost all of my Hobart memories are good ones.........especially of the people in my "Home Town". Guys like Frenchy, a smiling face, a glad hand, a good laugh when you need one, come back to me often. Rest in peace, Jim..........we'll miss you and the sincerity of your friendship.
Jim Garretty