James "Jim" Lee Hahn

James, “Jim,” Lee Hahn, 64, of Elkhart, IN passed away peacefully from COVID pneumonia on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at Elkhart General Hospital.  His loved ones were by his side as he went to be with his Lord and Savior.

Jim was born to the late Dale and Eloise (Williams) Hahn on March 9, 1957.  He graduated from Penn High School where he broke several basketball records. He was a stellar basketball player at Ball State University where he was a three-year captain. He was a member of the Elkhart County Sports Hall of Fame, the Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame, and the Concord Athletics Hall of Fame.

Upon graduation from Ball State, he taught and coached basketball at Schmucker Middle School, as well as at Penn High School.  From 1983-1994, he was the head basketball coach at Concord High School in Elkhart, IN.  He built a strong program there, and in the midst of his coaching career (1988 and 1990), he led the teams to the state championship finals.  He was a mentor, friend, and father figure to many of his students and athletes.

After coaching, Jim was employed for 26 years at Welch Packaging where he made an enormous impact not only on the business, but also on his co-workers and customers as well.

Jim loved life, and he lived each day to the fullest.  He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and camping, and of course, watching all kinds of sports.   More importantly, he was devoted in his faith and to his family.  He demonstrated his love for others in his daily walk.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 18 years, Cindy (Crowel); and his daughter, Jamie (Ben) Gelfand; as well as his stepson, Nathan Littlefield; and his stepdaughter, Casey Littlefield. He is also survived by his parents-in-law, Terry and Marge Crowel; sisters-in-law Kelly (Phil) Martino and Jody (Phil) Schlarb, as well as his stepmother, Carol Hahn. The siblings who mourn his passing are Susan (Larry) Stamm, Patricia (Wayne) Moore, Cathy (William) Bugg, and William (Kathi) Hahn; as well as his stepsisters, Linda Nagy and Judy Pauwels  He is also survived by his grandson, Jonathan Gelfand, who was the apple of his eye.   Several aunts and uncles and many nieces and nephews also survive.

Due to COVID, there will be no visitation; however, there will be a private family service with Rev. John Hogsett of Faith United Methodist Church, Elkhart, officiating.  A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date.

The family is grateful for the dedicated staff in Critical Care West who ministered to Jim throughout his COVID illness. We also thank Hahn Funeral Home for assisting us.

Those who wish to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider a charitable memorial fund in Jim’s honor to support families experiencing hardship in the area at the Community Foundation of Elkhart County (www. inspiring good.org), 300 Nibco Parkway #301, Elkhart, IN 46516.

Earth’s loss is Heaven’s gain! To leave the family an online condolence or to share memories with the family, please visit our website at www.hahnfuneralhomes.com

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