Jack J. Champion, 81, residing in Edwardsburg, Mich. and formerly of Mishawaka, passed away at 10:39 p.m. Thursday, June 18, 2015, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka. He was born May 4, 1934, in Fremont, to the late Firm and Fern Champion.

On Oct. 4, 1957, Jack married Maryann (Whitney) Champion, who preceded him in death on Oct. 26, 2002. On Feb. 20, 2008, he was joined in love to Lequita “Lea” (Starnes) DeLaruelle, who survives.

He is also survived by his children: Greg (Deb) Champion, Plymouth; Brad (Tracey) Champion, Mishawaka; Suzanne (Jon) West, Mishawaka; and Brad (MIchelle) DeLaruelle, Mt. Clemens, Mich.; grandchildren: Matthew Champion; Nathan Sanderson; Abbigale Wilber; Lindsey (Tim) Haig; Jake and Jonathen Lathem; Emily (Joel) Burdette; Gracey (Stuart) Holman; Laruelle (Steve) Wilds; Dexter West; Zack (Caitlin) DeLaruelle; and Ken and Faylynn DeLareuelle; and 14 great-grandchildren; as well as one sister-in-law: Frieda (Leonard) Wentzell. He was preceded in death by his 11 siblings.

Jack had a very hard life of farming while growing up during the depression and through WW II. He enlisted in the Army in 1952 and served his country honorably through 1955. He and Maryann moved to Mishawaka in 1959 and started their family in 1963. Jack worked as a final finisher craftsman in the RV industry prior to retiring. He loved to fish, work in the yard and spend time with his family. Jack was a loving father, husband, grandfather and friend, who was loved and respected by all. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services for Jack will be held at noon Wednesday, June 24, at Meggs Farm, 30102 US 12, Niles, Mich. Military graveside honors and burial will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. Friends may visit with the family for two hours prior to services Wednesday at the farm. Per Jack’s request, please dress casual, and jeans are fine.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Jack may be donated to the Humane Society of St. Joseph County, Mishawaka, or American Cancer Society of North Central Indiana, Mishawaka.