James "Jack" Clem

James “Jack” Clem
May 9, 1936 - Nov 2, 2021

James “Jack” Clem, 85, of Bunker Hill, passed away on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. Jack was born and raised in Cutler, Indiana to Fred and Mary Clem. He was the third oldest of 7 children.

During his younger years, Jack worked for Alcoa and National Homes. Because of his love of cars, he even worked for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for 9 years. Always working on the farm or helping neighbors, Jack was someone others could always count on. Farming and always helping others would be the backbone of who Jack was.

After graduating from Cutler High School in 1955, Jack attended Allied Institute of Technology in Chicago, becoming a master welder and metallurgist. He also joined the Masonic Lodge and achieved Scottish Rite. He enjoyed being a part of the Shriners in parades driving mini clown cars.

In 1957, Jack married his wife Norma Finney of Rossville just days after she graduated high school. They were married for almost 65 adventurous years. They had 3 daughters, whom he loved very much.

He loved collecting, building, fixing, and working on classic cars. He was a member of several classic car clubs over the years attending many conventions including James Dean Festival, Crosley Autoclub Nationals, multiple parades, and events.

Jack worked for Delco Electronics in Kokomo as a tool and die maker retiring in 1996 after 30 years. He continued to run Clem’s Fab & Machine from his shop in Miami, IN. He had an innate ability to make anything out of metal and taught anyone willing to learn.

Jack is survived by his wife, Norma (Finney); his daughters Vicky Oldfather of Walton, Debby (Bill) Peavyhouse of Davison, MI, and Arlene (Mike) Brown of Grantham, NH; 8 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren; and his sister Barbara (Jim) Thompson of Lafayette.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings: Merlyn (Pat) Wallace, Roberta Anderson, Fred Clem Jr., David Clem, and Don Clem.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 11am. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 from 4pm - 7pm and on Thursday from 10am - 11am prior to the service at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru, Indiana. There will be no graveside service. The family asks that donations be made to either the American Cancer Society or to the Loree Brethren Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

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