James Wesley Read, age 95, passed away in his home on October 10, 2023, with family by his side.

Born on July 8, 1928, James was the fifth of seven children born to Ivan and Daisy (Stuber) Read. He was a lifelong Plymouth resident and graduated from Lincoln High School (Plymouth Schools). On September 12, 1948, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Ann Hendrix. Together they raised five children, four sons and one daughter. He worked at the family business, Plymouth Fertilizer Company, with his dad, Ivan, and brothers, Lester and Jay. After Plymouth Fertilizer was sold in 1999 the three brothers started farming together. Never one to be idle, when the farm equipment was sold, James and son, Bob, established JB Fish, a fish farming operation specializing in Tilapia. With the assistance of faithful hired man and friend, Jamie Baca, James continued to operate JB Fish until his recent decline in health.

The biblical name James means “To closely follow at the heel of God”. James was aptly named as he was a man of deep faith and strong values. Alongside his wife, Barbara, they helped to establish Sunrise Chapel Church in Plymouth. He most recently was faithful in attending Plymouth Missionary Church and participated in their Monday night men’s prayer group. When James was no longer wanting to drive at night, the men of the group decided to move the meeting to his home to allow him to continue to be a part of this valued ministry.

James enjoyed his large family, Chicago Bear Football and Plymouth Jr High and High School wrestling. He also enjoyed an occasional, very competitive game of croquet. At one time he owned a para-plane and spent many hours flying over the fields of Marshall County. He kept bees for many years and was a member of the Michiana Beekeepers Association.

James is survived by sons, James L (Debra), Thomas I (Jacqueline) and David A (Shellie) and daughter-in-law, Karen E Read, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren along with their spouses. Also surviving is his sister, Ellen (Bruce) Snyder.

James was preceded in death by his loving wife of 72 years, Barbara, his daughter, Debra A Read, and his son, Robert. Also preceding him were his parents, his in-laws, Thomas Guy and Bernice Hendrix, and siblings Ruth (Vernon) Flosenzier, Wilma (Rodney) Ambler, Treva (Wendell) Nelson, Lester (Susan) Read and Jay Read.

The family wants to express their gratitude for the care given by the Center for Hospice Care in Plymouth with special recognition to James’ case manager, Michelle.

A friends and family visitation will be held on Friday, October 20, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Plymouth Missionary Church (1350 E Jefferson St, Plymouth, IN 46563). A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, October 21, at 10:30 a.m. at Plymouth Missionary Church (1350 E Jefferson St, Plymouth, IN 46563).  Burial will take place at New Oak Hill Cemetery.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made to: Plymouth Missionary Church (1350 E Jefferson St, Plymouth, IN 46563) or Center for Hospice Care (1419 N Michigan St, Plymouth, IN 46563).

Thank you to all our friends and community for your support during this difficult time.

Deaton-Clemens Van Gilder Funeral Home is honored to be providing services in celebrating the life of James and wishes to extend our deepest condolences to the family.

Friends are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at: www.deatonclemensfh.com.