The passing of James Payer

James Payer "Grandpa", age 85, of Dyer, formerly an East Chicago resident for 82 years, passed away January 4, 2009 at St. Margaret Mercy Hospital in Dyer. James was born January 7, 1923 in East Chicago, IN to James Payer and Julia Brunner. He was a 1943 graduate of Roosevelt High School. James enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943 and served in the Pacific Area during World War II as a Marine Corps Raider. On October 5, 1946, James married Dolores Boyan at St. Mary Church in East Chicago. He was a Scout Master for Troop 35, a baseball coach for Club Ki-Yowga and a former member of St. Mary Parish. James retired from the Amoco Oil Refinery in 1988. He previously worked at the Sinclair and ECI Refinery in East Chicago. James is survived by seven children: James (Nikki) Payer of Schererville, Nancy (Larry) Kaczka of Highland, Bill Payer of Sugar Hill, GA, Judy (James) McHale of Carmel, IN, Tom (Phyllis) Payer of Valparaiso, Sue (Martin) Kometz of Warrenville, IL and Shari Pluskis of Dyer; 15 grandchildren: Jennifer, Jeanne, David, Jeff, Marguerite, Bill, Jim, Kellie, Allison, Jason and Kirstin, Melissa, Scott, Jake and AJ; and seven great grandchildren: Jarrett, Chloe, Trenton, Jack, Barbara Veronica, Jamie, Trey and Lyla. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Dolores; his parents; and his siblings. James was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching his grandchildren's sporting events. He was loved by his family and will be missed by many. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 7, 2008 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. the American Legion will post colors Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. at the Fife Funeral Home, 4201 Indianapolis Blvd., East Chicago, IN. Funeral services will be private.