James D. Saalfrank, 80, of Hoagland, IN, passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Parkview Hospital Randallia in Fort Wayne. James was born on December 22, 1944, in Fort Wayne, IN, the son of the late Wilmer J. and Betty J. (Springer) Saalfrank. On February 1, 1975, James married Ann M. Hobbs and after 45 years she preceded him in death on September 15, 2020.
He was a 1963 graduate of Hoagland High School. He served his country as a Specialist 4th Class in the US Army Reserves. He retired as a Tool & Die Maker from LH Carbide, where he worked for over 25 years.
Jim was a skilled carpenter, enjoyed fishing, and loved his grandchildren.
He is survived by a daughter, Lisa Marie (Tad) Smith of Hoagland; 2 grandchildren, Ella Ann Smith and Trevor James Smith; 2 brothers, Ron Saalfrank and Rick (Christy) Saalfrank both of Hoagland; 2 sisters, Diane (Dave) Harris of Ft. Wayne and Sandy (Kevin) Lee of Monroeville; 3 sisters-in-law, Lou Ann Saalfrank of Hoagland, Marcia Saalfrank of Ft. Wayne, and Bev Smith of Hoagland.
Jim was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Jerry Saalfrank, Robert Saalfrank, and Larry Saalfrank and sister-in-law, Susie Saalfrank.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Haggard-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home.
Burial will take place in Monroeville Memorial Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be given to Hoagland Fire Department & EMS.
Arrangements are entrusted to Haggard-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home.
