Mr. James Cheesman, 77, of Rochester, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 2:57 AM on Friday, March 29 , 2019 at his home.

On May 26 , 1941, Jim was born in Lafayette.  He was a treasured son of G. Wesley and Chloris J. Gochenour Cheesman. Growing up he shared his childhood with three sisters and a brother.  Jim  graduated from Rochester High School with his class in 1959.

In Rochester, on April 1 , 1960, Jim married the love of his life Miss Sharon Sue Campbell. Monday marked their 59th anniversary.  From their union came three beautiful daughters Traci, Melinda and Lori.  The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of three grandchildren.

As an entrepreneur, Jim collaborated with Bob Ulerick to open Jim and Bob's Super Shell, full service fuel station on the 500 block of Main Street.  After several years he and Sharon opened the Sunoco Station  at 11th and Main Streets.  Jim also worked as a construction project supervisor for Knapp Construction Company building water and sewer lines throughout the Midwest.

For more than three decades, Jim was a member of the Rochester Fire Department.  He served in a leadership role as Chief under the appointment of three Mayors Cook, Fansler and Thompson.  Most recently, Jim worked at New Holland Rochester as a mechanic and technician for more than a decade, retiring in 2007.

Always there for our community, Jim was a vibrant community servant.  He was a member of the Marshall - Starke Development Center Inc, Fraternal Order of the Eagles # 852, and Manitou Training Center, serving as past President and member of the board of directors.  As an Optimist Club member, Jim  could be seen in the pumpkin patch grooming the fields with a positive outlook for a bin buster season.  Jim was one of the faithful assisting with the harvest.  He was a member of the Fulton County Democrats  and served our community as a Rochester Township Advisory Board member.

A member of the "Crew,"  Jim met with his buddies daily at Alejandra's, then later Pak-A-Sak to enjoy Diet Cokes, ice tea and coffee while solving the world's problems.  He was gifted with his hands spending time in his wood shop-garage, woodworking, creating custom gifts for his family and special friends.  Annually he planted a garden consisting of green beans and tomatoes  sharing the produce.

Paramount in Grandpa's life is his family.  He was proud to oversee three generations and looked forward with great excitement of the arrival of his first great-grandson in July.  Family visits,  celebrations  and family gatherings at the holidays were great memories he truly treasured.  Daisy the Dachshund was his devoted canine always at his side when he relaxed.

Left to cherish Jim's memory are his wife, Sharon; three daughters: Traci Cheesman of Logansport, Melinda Straeter and husband Jim of Rochester, Lori Brown and husband Bruce of Fort Wayne; three grandchildren: Hillary Daulton and husband Kristopher, Colin Brown and wife Nicole and Derek Brown; two sisters: Shari Puckett Whitacre and husband John of Bandera, TX, and Nita Baker and husband Ron of Rochester; a brother, Larry Cheesman of Rochester; several nieces and nephews; and his canine companion Daisy, the black and tan Dachshund.

Preceding Jim in death are his parents Wesley and Chloris Cheesman, and a sister, Judy Green in 2002.

Chaplain Todd Wilson will officiate services.  Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery where Rochester Fire Department will provide Fireman's Honors at the graveside including the bell ringing and last call ceremonies.

Memorials may be made to the Manitou Training Center, 1690 E. Lucas St., Rochester, IN 46975 or the Fulton County Animal Education and Adoption Center, 1540 Wentzel St., Rochester, IN 46975.