James Perry Shank

James “Perry” Shank, age 70, passed peacefully at his home in Walkerton on Sunday, March 31, 2019 surrounded by his wife, children and his brother Glenn.  Perry was born September 20, 1948 in Mishawaka, Indiana to the late Emmett and Annie Marie (Roberts) Shank. The Penn High graduate was named “King of his class” and was a three sport athlete, playing football, basketball and running track.   On September 30, 1965,  Perry married Schryl Jean Messick at the First United Methodist Church in Mishawaka.  They recently celebrated 53 years of marriage.

Schryl survives, along with their children Lori Shank, James P. “Jamie” Shank Jr., Rochelle Mathews and her husband Randy, Stephanie Turner and her husband Lewis, and Tiffany Kring and her husband Dustin.   Surviving as well are six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.  Perry is also survived by his brother Emmitt Glenn Shank and his wife Penny, and his nephew Michael Glenn Shank and his wife Mischelle.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola.  There will also be one hour of visitation prior to the Funeral Service at 11:00 am Thursday, April 4, 2019.  Perry’s nephew Michael will officiate the service and cremation will follow.  Interment will take place at a later time.

Perry was employed as a Senior Engineer at Memorial Hospital in South Bend from 1986 until his retirement in 2015.  He enjoyed traveling and was especially proud of the work he did building a Church in Kenya, Africa with the Elders and other members of his church family.

In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting deer, fishing, bowling, playing horseshoes and cornhole. Perry also collected NASCAR collectables and loved to watch the races.  He was a longtime fan of Dale Earnhardt Sr.  He was a master at playing Euchre and could make and win a hand with no trump at all!

Most of all, Perry loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a dedicated husband and father and was a blessing to all who knew him.  His wonderful sense of humor and generous nature will be greatly missed.

In his memory, donations may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association.  To light a virtual candle or leave a condolence for Perry’s family, please follow the links provided on the Tribute Wall tab above.