Obituaries

July 16, 1949 to October 28, 2020

MEDARYVILLE – James “Jim” Thomas Toosley Sr., 71, of Monticello (formerly of Winamac), passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday, Oct. 28.

He was born July 16, 1949 in Rensselaer, to the late William A. and Laverne E. Dreyer Toosley. He spent his youth growing up on their farm with his 10 brothers and sisters. The family sold the farm and later moved to Winamac. He graduated from North Judson High School in 1970, and was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in Vietnam. He served as a Specialist and was a proud member of the 101st Airborne Division from 1971-72. He was on the front lines, in charge of petroleum storage and transport. He witnessed some of the most horrifying aspects of the war.

Upon return from military service, he had two children, James Thomas Toosley Jr. and Amy Toosley (her husband: Timothy Meier), who grew up adoring their father. They survive, along with his grandson, James Thomas Toosley III.

He was close to, and loved to laugh and joke with many of his brothers and sisters. He is survived by siblings, Raymond “Butch” Toosley Sr., Gail Howard, Patricia Heisner, Michael (Ruth) Toosley, Betty Jean Patrick, Susan Hardesty, Robin Messer, and Rita (Larry) Williams. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Siblings who preceded him in death are Lawrence R. “Hedge” Toosley, William Matthew Toosley, and his infant sister Mary Jane Toosley.

Mr. Toosley enjoyed the outdoors and loved to go fishing. He was an avid fitness guru. He also loved Harley Davidsons and in particular his 70s-style Harley Chopper, which he cherished for many years. He was skilled at mechanics -- you could ask him any question about engines, and he would probably know the answer. People considered him to be one of the toughest men they knew. He spent more than five years battling cancer. His resilience and strength touched the hearts of all who knew him. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and proud Vietnam veteran.

Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 1, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel (318 E Pearl St. Medaryville, IN). The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 2, at the funeral home. Following the funeral, Mr. Toosley will be honored with military graveside services at St. Henry’s Cemetery in rural Medaryville, where he will be buried beside his parents.

The Toosley family sends its gratitude to the White County Veteran’s Service Office and to the Gary Area Vet Center for setting up a support group for combat veterans with PTSD in Monticello. Jim would often meet with and receive assistance from his friends and fellow veterans in the group, Tom Hildebrand, Hank Smith, Randy Scott and Stephanie Spencer.