James Towle

James (Jim, Jimbo, Dad, Grandpa) Towle passed away August 3, 2023, surrounded by his family.  He was 83 years old.

He left behind his beloved wife of 61 years, Doris (Lidgard) Towle; daughter, Mickey (Don) Brady; son, Barry Towle Sr. (Donna Burney); grandchildren, Sara (Mason Seufer) Towle and Barry (Tasha Tolson) Towle Jr.; great grandchildren, Kacy Wesson Smith and Elsie Mae Towle; bonus granddaughters, Stephanie Culp and Katie Pille; and numerous blended family members.  

We know he was greeted at those Pearly Gates by his parents, Howard and Mayme Towle; brother, Vern Towle Sr.; daughter-in-law, Theresa (Kinder) Towle; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and his faithful dog, Riley.  We are happy to know that there’s one heck of a Euchre game being played in heaven right now!

He grew up working on his father’s dairy farm where his love for animals first began with his first 4-H project, a Holstein cow named Molly.  Dad worked for Nipsco for 37 years where he was a staunch supporter of his labor union (which he instilled in his children and not so gently, I might add). With his wife at his side, he ran the Petting Zoo at the LaPorte County Fair for several years, sharing his love for animals with young and old alike.

Our father was a kind, loving and selfless man who never failed to support his family’s dreams and goals out of the spotlight.  He truly was the “Wind Beneath Our Wings” anyone who was lucky enough to know him, knew that he loved his family, friends and animals beyond measure along with horse shows, auctions, Willie Nelson, 70’s country music, annual trips to Branson Missouri, Dr. Pol, sports, meatloaf, strawberry shortcake and ice cream.

A private “Celebration of Life” with no service will be held at a later date, in accordance with Dad’s wishes.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel in La Porte.  

In lieu of flowers and/or charitable donations, we ask that you take the money you would have spent and use it to make lasting memories with your families.

Please raise a glass (filled with your favorite adult beverage, of course) in Dad’s honor and to a life well lived.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Jimbo's life, or leave a message of comfort for his family, please visit www.EsslingFuneralHome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Towle, please visit our floral store.