James L. Mallette

James L. Mallette, age 81, of Topeka passed away following an extended illness on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 2:45 AM at Life Care Center of Lagrange. He was born on July 5, 1930 in Lucedale, MS to Marcus and Bessie (Sherman) Mallette. He married Janet Woolnough on July 3, 1954 in Ipswich, England. She preceded him in death on May 16, 2012. James is survived by one daughter, Kerin (Mike) Pena of Ligonier; and three grandchildren, Mikel, Carina and Kayla Pena; one brother, Lavane Mallette of Gargautier, MS; two sisters, Athelone Churchwell of Lucedale, MS and Audrey Nell Stewart of Mobile, AL. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet; a son, Gary Mallette; his parents; three brothers, Hieronymus, Algene and Jerome Mallette; three sisters, Arthella Havard, Aline Parker and Jensia Smith. James moved to the area in 1969 coming from K I Sawyer Air Force Base in Michigan. He retired as a Technical Sergeant from the Air Force after 20 years of faithful service. He was a member of the American Legion in LaGrange, AM Vets, NRA, Gulfstreamers and the Crosswalk at Ligonier United Methodist Church. He enjoyed woodworking, camping and was a gun and coin enthusiast. A funeral service honoring James life will be held on Sunday, June 3, 2012 at 3PM at Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway South; Ligonier, IN 46767 with Pastor Byron Kaiser officiating. Burial will follow at Eden Cemetery in Topeka, IN. A time of visitation will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2012 from 4-8 PM at Yeager Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Stroke Association 9709 E. Easter Lane, Suite B; Centennial, CO 80112.