James A. Applegate

James “Jim” A. Applegate, age 94, passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2017 at his winter home surrounded by his family in Arcadia, FL. He was born October 28, 1922, the son of James Madison and Blanche I. (Ball) Applegate in York Township Noble County, IN. Married 34 years to the late Margaret Jayne Smith,  13 months to the late Kathy (Wilson) Derby and 24 years to (Mary) Ann Wright, who survives.

Survived by children: Jim L. (Juanita) Applegate of Belleview FL, Judy (Butch) Kolb of Albion, IN, and Jack (Kim) Applegate of Ligonier, IN; step-children Kyle (Rick) Pratt of Kendallville, IN, Scott (Debbie) Derby of Kendallville, IN, Kristen (John) Nicodemus of Churubusco and Robin Derby of Kendallville, IN; 10 grandchildren and 10 step-grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, six step great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren and five step-great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and step-father JC Roscoe, son Ronnie Applegate, step-son Phil Smith, brother Wayne Applegate, step-brothers Nelson JC Roscoe and John Roscoe and one great-granddaughter Riley Applegate and grandson Adam Kolb.

Jim joined the United States Marine Corps on July 7, 1941 and graduated boot camp in San Diego, CA as part of the 2 ^nd Marine Brigade, later to become the 2 ^nd Marine Division.  Jim saw action in the South Pacific fighting the Japanese.  Battles included Tarawa, Saipan, GuadalCanal and Tinian.  The last year of Jim’s service was spent at what is now Camp David as a member of President Harry Truman’s Marine Guard.  Jim enjoyed telling stories about his meetings with the President along with the exploits in evading his security detail.

The following is a list of Jim’s Life of Service:

He was elected Fire Chief three separate times for the Albion Fire Department from 1948 – 1983. A Charter Member of the now disbanded Albion VFW Post 6413 as well as a Member for, four years with the Albion Town Boards.

Jim was also a very active individual.   He was a member of the American Legion Post 246 for 72 years.  He was also a life member of Wolf Lake VFW Post 4717, the Marine Corps Association, life member of the 2 ^nd Marine Division Association, life member of the Mississippi Chapter 2 ^nd Marine Division as well as the 8 ^th and I Chapter Association.

A funeral service will be held to honor Jim at Yeager Funeral Home; 1589 Lincolnway South Ligonier, IN 46767 on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at 11AM.

Pastor Brett Frymier will officiate.

A burial will take place at Rosehill Cemetery in Albion, IN following the funeral service.

Family and Friends may gather on Monday, January 9, 2017 from 2PM-8PM at the funeral home and also from 10AM – 11AM on Tuesday prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Albion Fire Auxiliary; 210 Fire Station Dr. Albion, IN 46701 or to the American Legion Post 246; 410 E. Park Dr. Albion, IN 46701.