James Russell "Jim" House

James Russell “Jim” House, 87, of Lafayette, passed away, Monday, February 17, 2025, at Mulberry Health and Retirement. He was born to Russell and Stella Mae (Fleischhauer) House on May 27, 1937. He had one older sister, Mary Louise House. Jim lived his whole life in the Mulberry/Dayton area – mostly on the family farm on St. Rd. 38. 

He graduated from Dayton School and the Purdue University Ag Short Course. Jim was a life-long farmer, raising corn, soybeans, wheat, and hogs. He drove a school bus for many years to Dayton and Wainwright. He went on to drive a semi-truck after retiring from farming, most recently for Bailey Trucking. He was a member of the Sheffield Township Farm Bureau and the Volunteer Fire Department. He supported the Tippecanoe County 4-H program as a 10-year member and as a parent of four 10-year members. 

Jim was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ where he served as deacon, elder, and trustee. He also was the head pancake flipper for the annual Pancake Sausage Breakfast. He enjoyed frying fish for family get-togethers and community events. 

On July 7, 1956, he married his high school sweetheart and neighbor, Joanne Brand, and they farmed together as a team. She preceded him in death on November 7, 1978. They had 5 children: Mary Ann (Jeff) Haan, Janet (Rex) Sheets, Jay Russell (Tamara) House, all of Lafayette; Marcia (Ken) Golden, Edwardsville, IL; and Judy (deceased). He has 16 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren (with 2 on the way). On November 19, 1999, he married Ruth Yost, and she survives. He is also survived by Ruth’s son Jon Yost, and her 4 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Mae; sister, Mary Louise; his first wife Joanne; daughter Judy; grandsons Jacob Haan, Grant and Griffin House; great granddaughter, Charlie Newton; and Ruth’s son, Jason Yost.

Visitation will be held Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 10am until the time of the service at 1pm, at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 1526 S. 18th Street, Lafayette, IN. Pastor TJ Jenney will officiate. Day & Genda Funeral Home ~ Mulberry Chapel is assisting with the arrangements. He will be laid to rest in a private family service at Fair Haven Cemetery in Mulberry. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel United Church of Christ or  GRANT'S HOUSE, Wabash Center. Messages of condolence may be left at www.dayandgenda.com.