James R. Strauss

James R. Strauss, 68, of Elkhart, died at 3:00 pm, September 26, 2010 at the Hospice House of Elkhart. He was born June 22, 1942 to the late Daniel W. “Jim” and Betty A. (Foster) Strauss in Detroit, MI.

He is survived by 2 daughters Sarah Y. (John) Gibson of Jacksonville, FL and Jennifer (Jeff) Sienkiewicz of Orlando, FL; a brother Steve (Barb) Strauss of Mishawaka; 3 sisters Carol Weaver of Elkhart, Cindra (Ken) Heston of Osceola and Debra (Bruce) VanDyke of Elkhart; and 5 grandchildren Jessica, Katherine, Jeffrey, Jenna and Joshua.

At the time of his death, James was a self-employed DJ, performing at parties, receptions and functions throughout the Midwest. He had previously worked for Strauss Bakeries, Inc. for 30 years. He served in the US Army from 1961 to 1964. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Elkhart for most of his life. He enjoyed dancing and was instrumental in starting the singles dances in Elkhart, South Bend, Toledo, OH and Grand Rapids, MI. He also enjoyed singing, previously a member of the Crystal Cathedral Choir in California.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Saturday, November 6, 2010 at 10:30 am, with Rev. Stephen Braden officiating. Cremation has taken place. Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home at Cobblestone Crossing, Elkhart is handling arrangements.

Memorials may be given to the Center for Hospice & Palliative Care in Elkhart, American Diabetes Association or National Kidney Foundation. Visit www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com to sign an online guestbook.