James W. Crosby

James W. Crosby, 96, of Ossian, Indiana, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Ossian Health and Rehabilitation Center.

He was born on January 29, 1930, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to the late Fred V. and Amelia A. (Fuelling) Crosby. James was united in marriage to Elvira Ostermeyer in 1953, and she preceded him in death on June 15, 1954, due to an automobile accident. He then married Anna W. Scheumann on September 18, 1955, at Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim.

He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1948 until his honorable discharge in 1952.

He was a devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim, as well as American Legion Post #43 and the Poe Volunteer Fire Department.

He was a lifelong farmer in Wells County and worked for Conrad Nuerge Construction and later became part-owner of T & J Construction Company.

He enjoyed farming, working with his hands, and spending time outdoors. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family, friends, and community.

Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Anna Crosby of Ossian, Indiana; son, Jeffrey (Cyndi) Crosby of Fort Wayne, Indiana; daughter, Christine (Gary) Melcher of Sheboygan, Wisconsin; son, Robert (Susan) Crosby of Kendallville, Indiana; sister, Dorothy Smith of Fort Wayne, Indiana; eight grandchildren, Adam (Stephanie) Crosby, Travis (Becca) Crosby, Jordan (Kendra) Crosby, Joshua (Nikole) Melcher, Ryan (Jackie) Melcher, Jessica (Chris) Zablocki, Parker (Natalie) Crosby, and Brogan (Robert) Sittema; and fifteen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Thieme, and two brothers, Charles and Franklin Crosby.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim, with Pastor Matthew Ulmer officiating. The service will be livestreamed and available through the church's Facebook page.  Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery, Friedheim, with military honors being rendered by the United States Air Force in conjunction with the American Legion Post #43.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, and one hour prior to the services on Saturday at the church.

Preferred memorials can be given to Wyneken Endowment (Checks payable to Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim) or Worship Anew.

Arrangements by Zwick and Jahn Funeral Homes of Decatur, Indiana