James R. (Peru) Stine

James R. Stine (SMSGT, USAF, ret.)

James R. Stine, 87, of Peru, passed away at 9:15 P.M., Sunday, April 26, 2020, at his residence with his loving wife Alice by his side. He was born in Carbondale, Pennsylvania on September 7, 1932, the son of Louis and Alice Wedeman Stine. Jim married Alice Vaverchak at the St. Rose Catholic Church in Carbondale, Pennsylvania on April 18, 1959 and she survives.

Jim was a 1950 graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School, Carbondale, Pennsylvania and a member of the St. Charles Catholic Church. Upon graduation from high school, Jim enlisted in the US Air Force and spent the next 24 years in service to his country, retiring as a Senior Master Sargent. His military decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Medal, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal. Upon retiring from the Air Force in 1976, Jim went to work teaching pro at the Chippendale Golf Course in Kokomo.

Jim was a loving father and grandfather who cared greatly about his family and his country. He was always quick with a smile and offered words of wisdom and gentle guidance to many throughout his lifetime. He was a warm, kind-hearted, generous man who exemplified integrity.

Surviving in addition to his wife of 61 years, Alice; a son, Lawrence Stine of Peru, and a daughter, Diane Hoeppner and her husband Mark, of Peru; grandchildren, Shawna (Jeff) Crowder and Jacob Smith; great-grandchildren, Emma and Alex Crowder; and a sister, Jean Sporer, of Honesdale, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Ronald Stine.

A private memorial service celebrating the life of James R. Stine will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W Main St., Peru, with Rev. Adam Mauman officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Miami County Military Rites Unit.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made through the funeral home to the Miami County Helping Hands.

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