James “Jim” Samuel Pierce, age 88 of Chesterton, died peacefully Sunday, January 29, 2012 with his family by his side.

He was born January 17, 1924 in Oakwood, Illinois to John Samuel and Mattie (Anderson) Pierce, who preceded him in death.

He is survived by three daughters, Diane (Michael) Vehlow of Libertyville, Ill., Terri (Greg) Mihal of Westville, Ind. and Cheryl (Bob) Evans of Dunes Acres, Ind.; six grandchildren, Kacie Mihal and Korey Mihal, Karl Vehlow and Kristin Vehlow, and Forrest Evans and Dillon Evans; one sister, Helen (Robert) Hoefflicker of Birmingham, Ala.; and many nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by two wives, Dorothy (Gemeinhart) Pierce and Alice (Zeman) Pierce; one sister, Mildred Owens; and one brother, Jay Pierce.

James was a carpenter/millwright who worked for several construction firms including J. M. Foster Company and Hunter Construction, finishing his career as a supervisor. He was a member of Calumet Masonic Lodge #379 in Chesterton, Scottish Rite Valley of South Bend, American Legion Post #170, VFW Post #2511, Izaak Walton League Miller Chapter, and the Carpenters and Millwrights Local Union #1043. He was a WWII Army veteran.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 2, at Edmonds and Evans Funeral Home, 517 Broadway, Chesterton, Ind., 46304, with Father James Meade officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park in Hobart.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with American Legion and VFW memorial services at 7:00 p.m. and Masonic services at 7:30 p.m.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.EE-FH.com

Posted 1/31/2012