James Symon

Mishawaka, IN-James “Jim” R. Symon- On July 19, 2021, our beloved Jim left this earth after bravely battling an illness for over 6 years.  A fighter until the end, Jim passed away at the age of 67, at the University of Chicago Hospital surrounded by his loving family.   Jim was born on June 6, 1954, in South Bend, IN to the late Ernie and Shirley (Fodness) Symon.   Jim graduated from Clay High School in 1972, where he enjoyed playing basketball and other sports.  After high school, he also attended 2 years of technical school.  In 1975, he proudly served in the United States Air Force.  Later, he became a mill operator at Lock Joint Tube, where he met his future wife.  On August 29, 1992, Jim married Terry (Engel) Williams, and would refer to her as “my love”.  In 2015, he retired from Custom Honing.  

Jim had a strong love for sports, and was exceptionally talented when it came to playing pool, darts and bowling.  He especially loved the game of golf.  He loved watching it but even more, he loved getting out there on the golf course.  Jim was proud of his hole in one at Notre Dame and another hole in one at Plymouth Rock golf course.  He played in many leagues with several of his favorite buddies and brother-in-law, Tom.  He even patiently golfed with his wife, Terry and would golf at least once a week, sometimes more.   Jim was an avid Notre Dame, Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan.  He had a competitive nature and always tried beating his brother-in-law, Jerry, at dominoes and other games, and loved trying to beat his sisters and brothers-in-law at euchre.  Most of all, Jim loved his family.  He loved having his family together whether it was enjoying a ride in his boat, a cookout or other family gatherings.  He also enjoyed watching his nieces and nephews play sports.  When it came to his great-grandkids, he loved playing superheroes, building Legos, putting puzzles together, and playing any other games they came up with.  He never missed a sporting or school event they were involved in.  They thought of him as their personal jungle-”Jim” to play on and cover with stuffed animals.  When playtime was over, he was there for them to snuggle up with and sleep on.  He was the same way with his grandkids as they were growing up, and always there for them and their accomplishments as adults.  They couldn’t have asked for a better man to call grandpa.  These moments will forever be in our memory and so missed.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Terry; stepdaughter, Candy Williams; grandchildren, Tifani and Tiara Balentine and Austin Williams; great-grandchildren, Ariana, Tristan, Amariya and Rylo; sisters, Marilee (David) Nowak, Kathy (Scott) Pullin and Peg (Jim) Logan; sisters-in-law, Linda (Jerry) Johnson and Karen (Tom) Hiatt; and several nieces and nephews.  Preceding Jim in death are his parents; sister, Betsy (Symon) Fowler; stepdaughter, Tammy Williams; and grandchild, Keali.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 27, from 12-2 pm and 4-6 pm at Hahn Funeral Home in Mishawaka.  Funeral Service will be at 6 pm in the funeral home.  

Donations can be made to the family c/o Hahn Funeral Home.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.

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