James A. Dimmick, 76, of South Whitley, Ind., passed away Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013, at Parkview Whitley Hospital where he was admitted on Wednesday, Oct. 23. He had been in failing health.

He was born April 25, 1937, in Fort Wayne, Ind., to  Russell E. and Alma J. (Luttman) Dimmick. His formative years were spent in South Whitley. He graduated from South Whitley High School in 1955. On Aug. 4, 1957, he was united in marriage to Karol E. Uhrick. They made their home in South Whitley for a short period before moving to Fort Wayne. After 10 years, they returned to South Whitley.

He started his work career with the Nickel Plate Railroad until 1963. He was later employed by Dana Corporation, Fort Wayne, Ind., as a machinist for 34 years. An avid softball player, he played in the corporate league in Fort Wayne as a catcher for Dana’s team and Coca Cola. When he was not playing, he coached youth baseball in Fort Wayne. He enjoyed drag racing his competition Corvette and in his later years, vegetable gardening.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years; four children: Timothy J. Dimmick, South Whitley; Nicholas L. Dimmick, Syracuse, Ind.; Jill R. Lombari, South Whitley; and Patrick R. (Wendy) Dimmick, Syracuse; eight grandchildren; a sister: Linda (Larry) Tackitt, South Whitley; a half-sister: Joan Tom, Columbia City, Ind.; and a brother: Jerry (Janice) Dimmick, Coldwater, Mich.

He was preceded in death by two grandchildren: Miranda Dimmick and Matthew Haisley.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, at the Smith and Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, at the funeral home. Burial will be in the South Whitley Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are to donor’s choice.