James French

James R. “Jim” French, 63 of Kewanna passed away at 1:42 a.m., Monday, January 6, 2025, at Logansport Memorial Hospital.

Born on May 29, 1961, in Logansport, he was the son of the late Jerald and Nancy (Ingram) French.

On August 1, 1981, he married Jan L. Nimz, she survives.

Jim retired from the U.S. Army after 35 years 11 months and 19 days. He was a lifetime member of the James F. Talbott V.F.W #1121 in Kewanna. During his military career, he was given numerous awards and certificates of appreciation for his endless work. His in-depth training with units being deployed has been noted for saving countless lives. Jim looked at each member as “his boys” and cared for them both personally and professionally.

He enjoyed working on cars, doing maintenance on anything, and spending time with family and friends. His garage was always open, radio on, and tools available. He shared his wealth of knowledge with anyone willing to learn. His children’s friends came to know him as a second dad, someone they knew they could count on.

Survivors include his wife, Jan French, children, Ashley Vlaskamp (Blake), Chelsea Miller, and Chad French (Destiny), brother, Robert French (Rikki), sisters, Michele Gold and Kristine Goodwin, brothers-in-law, Dale Nimz (Rosie) and Steven James and grandchildren, Rowen Vlaskamp, Kholton Vlaskamp, Kailani Miller, Riley Miller, Atom Miller, Rosie Tramble, Stephan Goins, and Charity Goins.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Russell French, a sister, Jean French, and a granddaughter, Lindley Vlaskamp.

Services will be at 3:00 p.m., Monday, January 13, 2025, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Metzger Chapel, 123 E. Main St., Kewanna.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

Burial with Full Military Honors will be performed at Citizens I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Kewanna.

Memorial contributions can be made to the James F. Talbott V.F.W. #1121, 507 S. Railroad St., Kewanna, Indiana 46939.

His online guestbook is available and condolences can be shared with the French family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.