James William DeLaBar

James William DeLaBar, Jr., age 90, of Fillmore, Indiana, passed away on Monday, December 19, 2022.

Jim was born on March 19, 1932 to James W. (Bill) and Marjorie Delabar in Oquawka, Illinois. After graduating from Oquawka High School, Jim worked on the family farm and as a heavy equipment operator. He went on to work for nearly 50 years in the furniture and merchandising industry in Geneva and Aurora, Illinois and Indianapolis, Indiana. Following his retirement, Jim provided lawn mowing services for the Heritage Lake Homeowner’s Association in Fillmore.

An avid fisherman and hunter, Jim grew up along the Mississippi River. He enjoyed playing and watching all types of sports, providing coaching and skill advice to his children. He was known for long, entertaining family stories, which he loved to share often, as well as his Sunday morning pancakes.

Jim was predeceased by his first wife Marilyn B. (Sandy) DeLaBar, his parents Bill and Marjorie Delabar, his sister Barbara (Delabar) Pruett, and his brother Eddie M. Delabar. He is survived by his second wife of 40 years, Norma F. DeLaBar, his daughter Sandra C. Nekoloff (Michael) and son Steven C. DeLaBar (Barbara), grandchildren James J. Nekoloff, Nicole M. Nekoloff, and Jack DeLaBar and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his stepsons Bruce Taggart (Chris) and Frank Taggart, step grandchildren Jon (Alexa) and Jeff Taggart and Sarah Taggart, and step great grandchildren William and Graham Taggart.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Greencastle, Indiana following the holidays and Jim will be buried in Oquawka, Illinois, where he had many happy memories.