Walter J. "Jim" Emerick, age 69 of Marion, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 4, 2015 at Wellbrooke of Westfield healthcare facility in Westfield following an extended illness. He was born January 23, 1946 in Maspeth, New York, the son of Walter C. and Mary Katheryn (Haiser) Emerick. He was a Pipe Fitter for RCA Corporation in Marion for 28 years, and retired in 2006. Jim was a 1964 graduate of Paiden City High School in West Virginia and later proudly served his country in the U.S. Army in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He was a devoted member of Liberty Baptist Church in Sweetser where he served as an usher for many years at the church. Jim loved to play pool, and was a member of the Moose Lodge. He especially enjoyed playing in several pool leagues and making repairs on pool tables and accessories. Jim will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Jim's family includes son, James S. "Jamie" (wife Debbie) Emerick of Elwood; 2 grandchildren, James J. Emerick of Windfall and Heather R. Emerick of Elwood; 2 nephews, Roger Wayts and Walter Wayts; special friend, Marty Smith of Hartford City; good life-long friend who was like a brother to him, Joe Bright of Marion; and numerous other close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sarah Wayts; and a niece, Rebecca Wayts.

A funeral service celebrating Jim's life will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 8, 2015 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Terry Bishir of Liberty Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery and will include Military Honors conducted by the U.S. Army and the Elwood V.F.W. Honor Guard. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 to 8 PM, Friday, August 7, 2015 at Liberty Baptist Church - 517 Church Street, Sweetser, IN 46987. Memorial contributions may be made the Liberty Baptist Church or the American Cancer Society through the funeral Home. Online condolences: www.copherfeslermay.com.