James L. Strycker, 88, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Friday, December 3, 2021.
Born on March 9, 1933 in Plymouth, Indiana he was the son of Walter and Ida (Altheide) Strycker. He attended Plymouth High School graduating with the class of 1951. He enlisted in the Army on April 23, 1953 and was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant in 1955. On June 10, 1956 he married Barbara Hrabal at EUB church in Plymouth.
James would work as a butcher at local supermarkets for 67 years before his retirement in 2015.
He is survived by his wife Barbara of Plymouth; daughters: Julie (Rick) Gilley of Plymouth; Janice (David) Hamrick of Winona Lake, IN; son Jon (Cathy) Strycker of Tippecanoe, IN; step-sister Marilyn Stafford of Akron, IN; 6 grandchildren, 5-great-grandchildren.
James was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 9, 2021 from 11-1 at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth. Funeral services will immediately follow with Pastor Jefferey Stueve officiating.
Burial will take place in the New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.
The family would like to personally thank St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center, Plymouth Emergency Room and Elara Caring Hospice, Ft. Wayne for the wonderful care they provided for James.
Memorial contributions can be made Elara Caring Hospice, 7030 Pointe Inverness Way #230, Fort Wayne, IN 46804 or to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center Emergency Room, 1915 Lake Ave. Plymouth, IN 46563.
Jim and Barb (Bick) Cox says
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I can remember him behind the meat counter at G&G when I was a young girl and then as an adult at Martin’s Supermarket. Jim was always so kind when we first moved here in 1972. I always remember his big smile when he greeted everyone. Our prayers are with your entire family.
Barb klapp says
So sorry to hear of the passing of your Husband and Father. He was such a kind man, always greeting you with a smile. He will be greatly missed.I remember him back to the G and G days.
Kevin and Donna Chaney says
He was such a good person I knew Jim from his butchering days where he was always available to offer suggestions on meat cuts and preparation Jim was also a fine fast pitch softball player. Our condolences to the family.
Donna Taber Whitmer says
I loved Jim!! He worked at G&G when I first became an adult and did my own shopping. What a nice man!!! Always a smile and greeting for everyone. I will remember him fondly… prayers.
Melody Norton says
So very sorry for your loss. Jim was one of the nicest men that came to the Fitness Forum. He always had a smile and nice things to say.
Suzanne Gibson says
THE MEMBERS OF THE VFW AUXILIARY 1162 PLYMOUTH INDIANA
ARE SADDEN TO HEAR OF JAMES PASSING OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS AT THIS TIME OF GREAT SORROW
WE WANT TO THANK AND HONOR JAMES FOR HIS SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY
GOD BLESS
SUZANNE GIBSON
VFW AUXILIARY 1162 CHAPLAIN&SECRETARY
vfwpost1162@gmail.com
Pam Barry says
So sorry to hear this. I have a memory that I wanted to share: our youngest son, Kyle, who is now 26, has always been very social, even as a little boy. Whenever I would take him into Martins, Kyle and Jim would always latch on to one another! I’m not sure who attracted whom but Jim always had time for Kyle! He would stop what he was doing for a little boy whose eyes would light up for the “butcher!” This image is forever etched in my mind.🥰
P.S. I know Julie from the hospital.
My condolences,
Pam Barry
Ed & Linda Langfeldt says
Ed worked with Jim at Merriman’s Grocery in the late 50’s. Jim was such a kind man!! Prayers for all of your family!!
Ren and Beverly Van Gilder says
Jim was one of the nicest men, we have ever met. He was so kind, and knowledgeable, about the meat business. I would ask questions, about cooking, and he’d always guide me, in the right direction. I always loved his big smile. He was just an all around great guy.
Most sincerely,
Ren and Beverly Van Gilder
Karen Lee says
To the Strycker family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and father. I still remember Jim and my Dad coaching Janice and me in softball. What fun! He was always friendly at the grocery store while he worked. He is such a wonderful person. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I will not be able to attend the funeral, but Ron will.
Love,
Karen (Swihart) Lee
Kim White says
Jim will be sorely missed. He is perhaps one of the kindest persons I have ever known. He won’t be forgotten by those who knew him.
THE CHASE FAMILY says
Jim was always smiling and always friendly. He will be missed. Jim and Jack were good servants for our Lord.
Michael Kyser says
It was with great sadness that I learned of Jim’s passing. I worked with Howard and Jim in the meat department at Merriman’s grocery-1961-63 while attending IUSB. Your husband was a real gentleman and I will always value his friendship and his mentoring during those years we worked together. May the Lord comfort you during the days ahead.
Pat Harness says
A wonderful man on matter we’re saw he always talk with you.Rip Jim
Donna and Jim Burroughs says
To the Strycker Family,
Condolences on the passing of such a wonderful man. He was always so kind and friendly to everyone. I never saw him without a smile.
He will be missed.
Cindy Wiseman says
Julie, so sorry to hear about your dad. I always enjoyed seeing him at G&G and Dave and Rays. He always had a smile,hug and always stopped to say hi. Hugs to you my friend ❤
Rosie Regedanz says
My condolences and prayers to you and your family. Loved Jim. He was a wonderful man
Sarah Smith says
Mr Strycker was such a kind, gentle man and so helpful. Even after retirement he answered a butcher question for me when I saw him at a coffee place. Then the next time I saw him he had recipes for me to try. He also helped raise three very nice legacies in Julie, Janice, and Jon. My sympathy goes to you all.
Sarah Guild Smith
Ruth Ecker says
My sincere sympathy to the Strycker family. I remember Jim in the meat department of G&G , when my mother would ask for his recommendations. Through all these years, I’ve always enjoyed seeing him and visiting with him. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jamie Greenlee says
Jim was Kind man . Best butcher around.
Melissa Christiansen says
I can honestly say that Mr. Strycker was revered by my entire family. His advice for choosing just the right piece of meat to serve for every important occasion was always spot on. He always had a smile for everyone he spoke to and I always looked forward to seeing him. He will be greatly missed!
Marcia Harris says
My husband Tim and I are so grateful to know you. Jim u r a very special person and treated everyone that same way. Your smile is contagious and makes me feel better when I see you. You have raised three special children and they are just like you and Barb. Very Loving and I am going to miss you very very much. You have fun up there young man ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Barb Lowry says
Our deepest sympathy to all of Jim’s family. He was kindest, most positive, gentle-man that shared his joyful charism with everyone he met, whether behind the meat counter or on the street. He would grind the perfect combination of ham and sausage for a delicious ham loaf! He’d always ask about everyone in the family. He will be deeply missed, but remembered with many fond memories. We love you Jim. May you rest in peace.
Barb and Bub Lowry
Davenport, FL
Jenny Quick says
Julie- So sorry about your dad. He was a very special man; always an ‘upper’ in the grocery store!! So glad I got to know him -and YOU! You’ll be in my prayers!! With heartfelt condolences; Jenny Quick
Mark Troyer, Elkhart says
Back in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, I worked at the G & G Supermarket when I was in high school.
Whenever I had a chance to greet or talk a bit with Jim, he was always cheerful and talked to me as a equal, not as a dopey kid.
Men like him were the examples that helped us learn how to treat others and to try to live an honorable life.
We need more people like him!
Cindi Rust Eads says
One of the nicest, best people God put on this earth. Rest in peace, you were a joy to know.