James B. Long, 81, born March 12, 1937, to Harold & Dora A. Long, died in the arms of his loving wife and children on March 19, 2018, at home.

He graduated from Geneva High School and then earned an aeronautical engineering dDegree from Purdue University as a member of Phi Delta Theta. He served in the U.S. Air Force , 34th Bomber Squadron (SAC) during the Cuban Misile Crisis. He was a commercial airline pilot with United Airlines for 32 years retiring in 1997. He was a member of Tippecanoe Country Club where he served on the board, and enjoyed his Tuesday, Friday and Sunday groups of golf. He also played South Shore Golf Club with a group for 20 years.

He loved taking the grandchildren on boat rides to watch wildlife. He loved feeding the birds, especially the orioles. He was a member of the North Webster United Methodist Chuch where he sang bass in the choir, and served as chairman of the trustee for many years.

He leaves behind his wife Brenda (Hartley); daughters: Shannon (Jim) Wallace, Amy (Jack) Hallaert and Jennifer Cottrell; sons: Andrew (Lisa) Long and Dr. Ked (Julie) Cottrell; 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a sister, Lois (John) Skelly.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter Jennifer Marie.

A celebration of his life will be held at noon, Saturday, March 24, at the North Webster United Methodist Church with Pastor Byron Kaiser officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be held at the Westlawn Cemetery in Geneva with military honors at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the North Webster United Methodist Church. Eastlund Funeral Home is handling services.