James J. Sexton

 James J. Sexton, 63, of South Bend, IN, passed away on Friday in Big Rapids, MI. He was born on August 16, 1953, in South Bend, to the late John Charles and Lois Lucille (Irvin) Sexton. On July 9, 1982, he married Laurie Marie Smith, who survives. Also surviving are his four daughters, Erika (Brian) O'Connell of Collierville, TN, Gabrielle Sexton and Kaylie Sexton, both of South Bend; and Jamie (Joe Gallippo) Sexton of Elkhart; a son-in-law, Jon Cornelis of Granger; nine grandchildren, Kaitlynn, Christian and Jeremiah Cornelis, Nathan and Delaney O'Connell, Camryn Sexton, Noah Gallippo and Gavin and Emerson Richter. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Gretchen Cornelis, a sister, Jean Ann Frazier and a sister-in-law, Cora Sexton. James attended Sheet Metal Apprenticeship for four years. He went on to be a Sheet Metal worker for Midland Engineering for 33 years, before retiring on August 31, 2011. He was a 1971 Graduate of LaSalle High School and a United States Navy Veteran. He was an avid outdoorsman, which includes camping, fishing, hunting and wildlife in his backyard, especially Zippy the Squirrel. James was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a hardworking, dependable man who loved to travel and enjoy nature. There will be no visitation or services, cremation will take place. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Memorial Children's Hospital or to the Potawatomi Zoo. To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.