James Thomas Toosley, Sr.

James Thomas Toosley, Sr. 1949-2020 Loving father, grandfather, brother, and Vietnam Veteran, James Thomas Toosley, Sr., age 71, of Monticello, IN (formerly of Winamac, IN) passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, October 28, 2020. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2020 from 2-6pm EST at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel (318 E Pearl St. Medaryville, IN). Funeral Services will be held at 11am EST on Monday, November 2, 2020 at the funeral home. Following the funeral, Jim will be honored with Military Graveside Services at St. Henry’s Cemetery in rural Medaryville, where he will be buried beside his parents. James (lovingly known as Jim) was born on July 16, 1949 in Rensselaer, IN 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. Jim was drafted by the U.S. Army to serve in Vietnam shortly after he graduated. He served as a Specialist and was a proud member of the 101st Airborne Division from 1971-1972. He was on the front lines and in charge of petroleum storage and transport. Jim witnessed some of the most horrifying aspects of the war. Upon return from his esteemed military service, Jim 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. Jim was close with and loved to laugh and joke with many of his loving 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 Williams (Larry). Siblings who preceded him in death are Lawrence R. “Hedge” Toosley, William Matthew Toosley, and his infant sister Mary Jane Toosley. Jim was also blessed to have many nieces, nephews, and cousins who survive. Jim enjoyed the outdoors and loved to go fishing. He was an avid fitness guru. He also loved Harley Davidsons and in particular his 70’s 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 5 years battling cancer. His resilience and strength touched the hearts of all who knew him. The Toosley family would like to send their 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.