James W. "Jim" Wardwell, age 88 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Wednesday at his residence surrounded by his family following extensive health complications. He was born December 9, 1928 in Elwood, the son of Ray and Edna A. (Williams) Wardwell. Jim was a 1947 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School in Elwood, and later served in the Indiana National Guard for 15 years. He married AvaLee Wisler on March 3, 1950, and they shared over 66 years of marriage together. Jim and AvaLee were the co-owners of "Jim's Root Beer" in Elwood which they enjoyed operating for 14 summers on East Main Street. Prior to that, Jim was owner and operator of Wardwell's Soft Water in Elwood for 21 years, and had also worked at Indiana & Michigan Power Company as a lineman for 17 years. He attended the First United Methodist Church in Elwood, and enjoyed mowing and caring for his home and property. Jim will be remembered as someone who never knew a stranger and who enjoyed socializing with everyone in lively conversations. He was devoted to caring for his family, and will be remembered for his dedication to the Elwood community.

Jim's legacy of family members includes his wife, AvaLee (Wisler) Wardwell of Elwood; son, Kenneth C. (wife Margaret) Wardwell of New Albany; daughter, Teresa K. (husband Michael) Kendall of Indianapolis; sister, Joann Wise of Greentown; 7 grandchildren, Leslie (husband Ryan) Quickel, Bryon Wardwell, Eryn (Stephen) Webster, Sarah Wardwell, Jesseca Washburn, Seth Wiley and Shanna Wiley; 6 great-grandchildren, Devon, Courtney, Brooke, Ashley, Charley, Ansley; and several nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and two siblings, Della K. Ozenbaugh and Lenamae Davenport.

A funeral service celebrating Jim's life will be conducted at 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Doug Bohall of the First United Methodist Church in Elwood, officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday prior to the funeral service at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church through the funeral home. Online expressions of condolence may be made at copherfeslermay.com.