James R. Rockenbaugh

James “Jim” R. Rockenbaugh, 76, of Peru went to be with the Lord at 7:55 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at Blair Ridge Health Campus.

Jim was born in Peru, Indiana on August 2, 1943 to Sherll and Lily Rae White Rockenbaugh.  Jim attended Erie Elementary School and graduated from Peru High School in 1961.  He joined the United States Army in 1965-1966 and Indiana Army National Guard from 1966-1971.  In 1964 James started at Norfolk Southern Railway as a locomotive engineer where he worked over 35 years. 

Jim worked on the family farm all his life with his parents and brothers.  He loved farming crops, tinkering with engines, and competing in tractor pulls. He had a great passion of mushroom hunting and basketball.  If the Pacers or Purdue were playing, he would have the game on. 

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, brother John Rockenbaugh, one infant brother, and a wife Phyllis Rockenbaugh.  Jim is survived by his six children who loved him very much; David (Kelly) Rockenbaugh, of Albion; Patrick (Debbie) Moore, of Peru; Mark Rockenbaugh, of Peru; Wendy (Rusty) Perry, of Peru; Violet (Patrick) Stenger, of Fairfield, OH; and Philip Rockenbaugh, of Peru.  He was a grandfather to Kayla Ulery, Natasha Benedict, Alyssa Burgus, Justin Garrett, Hannah Bennett, Thomas Rockenbaugh, Nicole Perry, Taylor Perry, Colton Moore, Katelyn Perry, Lily Rockenbaugh, Adrianna, William Stenger, Brenden Perry, Preston Stenger, Trinity Perry and Henry Stenger.  James had 13 great grandchildren as well. 

Jim is also survived by his brothers, Darl (Pam) Rockenbaugh, of Peru; Bob Rockenbaugh, Montana, a sister-in-law Joyce Rockenbaugh, of Peru, and many nephews and nieces.  The mother of two of his sons also survives Frieda Durham Eppert. 

Arrangements are listed privately per the family’s request but friends and neighbors are encouraged to attend or send their condolences.  

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