James Wellington "Jim" Vest, age 91 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family following a brief illness and a long, full life.  He was born October 12, 1925 in Elwood, the son of Steele G. and Doris Mae (Warner) Vest.  Jim was a utility man at Delco Remy division of General Motors in Anderson for 18 years, and retired in 1985.  Prior to that, he worked at both Ventur Trailer Factory and Zimmers Trailer Company in Elwood for many years.  In addition, Jim and his wife, Junie, owned and operated a novelty figurine shop at their home for many years on P Street.  Jim married the love of his life, Junie M. Napier, on April 22, 1945, and they shared over 69 years of marriage together before her passing in 2014.  Jim was a member of the U.A.W. #662 in Anderson; formerly active in the Elwood Moose Lodge for many years; and formerly a member of the Southside Wesleyan Church in Elwood.  Over the years, Jim enjoyed fishing, bowling, traveling, going to auctions, and square-dancing.  He especially had a great sense of humor, and was friendly to everyone he met.  He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Jim is survived by 5 children, Etta Phillips of Elwood, Loretta Wyatt of Elwood, Linda (husband Terry) Harmon of Summitville, James (wife Pamela) Vest of Elwood, and Wanda Morris of Ohio; brother, Steele (wife Betty) Vest of Elwood; 23 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law, Eolia Napier of Anderson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Junie M. (Napier) Vest; son, Dale Vest; brother, William "Bud" Vest; 2 sisters, Ruth Deckard and Nora Braddick; grandson, Jack Wyatt, Jr.; 2 great-grandchildren, Maverick Lashure and Jazmin Frazee; a great-great grandson, Christopher Vest; and son-in-law, Alan Morris.

A funeral service celebrating Jim's life will be conducted at 1:00 PM on Friday, July 7, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Tobby Smith, chaplain from Southern Care Hospice, officiating.  Entombment will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery Mausoleum.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 to 8 PM on Thursday, July 6, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Online condolences to the Vest family may be expressed at copherfeslermay.com.