James Earl Orange

James was a man of integrity and a hard worker all his life; he started working on a farm when he was 9 years old. When he was 16 years old, he met his life’s love, Emma Louise Carson. After a year of courtship, they were married on September 23, 1952. Soon after they wed, James became a butcher/sausage maker and they started a family. Over the years they had 5 children: James Steven, Emily Faye, Mark Edward, Ralph Dale, Diann Louise. In 1967 the family relocated to Elkhart, IN after James received a job at a local meat packing company. He remained at that company until he was close to retirement.

James was a man of faith and was a valued member of the Calvary Assembly of God. James and Emma had dreams of traveling; they went to Egypt, Israel and Jordan. He also loved FAST cars and motorcycles. In his spare time, he liked to work on cars and ride his motorcycle with Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA). In 2013, James and Emma relocated to Colorado to move closer to their daughter, Emily; where they remained. James Earl was blessed with 9 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. James’ face would light-up anytime he would talk to his bride of 67 years, Emma or see his sweet great grandchildren play.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Eliza Estell and Walter; two of his sons, James Steven and Ralph Dale; two great grandchildren Hazel Emma and James Allen. He is survived by his wife, Emma; three children: Emily (Michael Jones), Mark (Judy Orange), Diann (Jim Feick), Nancy Orange (daughter-in-law); 9 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.