James N. “Sparkie” Kellenburger, 80, of Brookston, passed away at 10:35 a.m. Monday, November 28, 2016 at Indiana University Medical Center of Lafayette.

Jim was born on June 23, 1936 in Sullivan, Indiana, but grew up in Chalmers. He was the son of Kenneth and Mildred (Smith) Kellenburger.

On October 28, 1961 he married Gertrude “Sally” Allen in Lincoln, Illinois; she survives.

He was a 1954 graduate of Chalmers High School.

Jim retired from the Anderson Grain and Cobb Mill in Delphi, Indiana after working there for 23 years as an electrician. He also drove cars for Bartlett Ford. Jim loved farming and after retirement enjoyed helping local farmers.

Jim was a member of the Brookston United Methodist Church and the Experimental Aircraft Association. He was a past member of the Indiana Flying Farmers, and also had his pilot licenses.

He loved electronics and watching the television show “How It’s Made.” Jim always enjoyed a good cup of coffee with the guys on Monday mornings at McDonalds, the Klein Brot Haus and going to the Monticello airport on Sundays.

Surviving with his wife are three children, Nancy Weaver of Springboro, OH, David Kellenburger of Murfreesboro, TN and Karen Granger (husband: Eric) of Lafayette; two grandsons, Lyle Weaver and Phillip Weaver; three great-grandchildren, Jaylyn, Paisley and Russell; two brothers, Jack Kellenburger (wife: Carol) of Star City, IN and Donald Burgett of Lafayette and a sister, JoAnn Chapman of Fishers, IN. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

Jim is preceded in death by his father Kenneth, step-mother Meryle Wilson Kellenburger, his mother, Mildred and step-father Ray Burchett.

Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, December 1, 2016 at Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home of Brookston. Funeral service 11 a.m. Friday, December 2, 2016 also at the funeral home; Pastor Devin Cook to officiate. Interment to follow in Brookston IOOF Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the following in James’s name: the Brookston United Methodist Church or the Gaylin Rose Family c/o Lafayette Bank & Trust (805 E. Columbia Street, Flora, IN 46929).

Share memories and condolences online at www.clapperfuneralservices