Obituaries in South Bend, IN | South Bend Tribune (2024)

James “Jim” McIntee, age 92 passed away peacefully on July 30th, 2024. Born the older of two children. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years who was his high school sweetheart Joan M (Haines) McIntee. Also preceded in death by his parents: James W. McCarthy and Mary O. (Murphy) McCarthy, his stepfather Daniel J. McIntee, and his brother Kenneth P. McIntee.

His quick wit and sense of humor made him a prodigious storyteller. Always with a smile and a great sense of humor, Jim’s standard answer to “How are you today?” was an exuberant and spirited “FANTASTIC!!” People naturally gravitated to him for his leadership, positive attitude and generous heart. He often proudly showcased his collection of hats and shirts highlighting various branches of military services local and national sports teams.

In his free time, he enjoyed numerous hobbies including playing the mandolin, violin, piano, guitar and dulcimer. He painted in the Bob Ross style of oil painting. He had the great opportunity to be taught by Bob Ross’s son, Steve, and subsequently taught his own children and grandchildren to paint. He also enjoyed taking his children and grandchildren fishing with old cane poles, where it was a requirement to “put your own worm on the hook”. He captained his own sailboat and won the “Mississippi Lock and Dam #14 Challenge” twice, a twenty-mile race in Davenport (IA). His other hobbies included bowling, cooking and baking, especially “Sticky Buns.” His absolute favorite activity was singing barbershop harmony with both Chord Busters in Davenport IA and Singing Buckeyes in Columbus Ohio.

Some favorite family memories are: Sparklers, croquette in the yard, enjoying their poolside gazebo, custom-made waffles, all of the mini cereal boxes, Ice Cream Sundays, Playing Skittles, Rummy Royal or canasta, going to Dollywood and enjoying a great meal out.

Several favorite photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/VNaCGyCKBZvzRWf9A

Jim was born in Mishawaka Indiana on July 29, 1932, He attended St. Monica Elementary School and St. Joseph Elementary. He graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1950, where he enjoyed singing in the a cappella choir, later becoming the choir President. Never one to be idle, he was also the President of both the school’s Science Club and Math Club. He served on the stage crew, where his love of engineering began and where he created the electrical topography and designs that optimized the lighting in each performance. He served as the only School Meteorologist, where he researched and conducted manual calculations that resulted in pinpoint precision and weather predictions used for many outdoor school activities and events (pre-computerized and automated weather forecasting that we have today).

Immediately following graduation, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served from 1950 to 1954. He served as a Meteorologist and Clerk-Typist in Japan during the Korean Conflict. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, Good Conduct, Occupation Medal (Japan) U.N. Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

He returned home, married to Joan, and attended Purdue University. He was selected for an Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA) cooperative program while simultaneously continuing his studies. He graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Following graduation, he began his career at ALCOA spanning over 35 years. His extensive resume covered many locations and occupations including a Staff Engineer in Davenport, IA Division Engineer (Maintenance Superintendent) at the New Kensington, PA Works, Chief Mechanical Engineer and Chief Mechanical Engineer, at Davenport (IA) Works; ALCOA Research & Development Laboratory Consulting Engineer, Upper Burrell, PA; Consulting Engineer Pittsburgh, (PA). He concluded his highly accomplished career as the International Chief of Molten Metals Furnaces. One of his greatest contributions to the metallurgical industry was his invention of joining aluminum and steel by friction welding without an interface, spinning the metals in different directions. He was awarded U.S. Patent Number: 3,693,238 for the creation of this technical process.

While Jim had a prolific professional career, he always took time to give back to his community and church. He served as a Little League Coach, in Lower Burrell PA and Bettendorf, IA. He was President of the Camden Downs Homeowners Association where the mayor awarded him a “Key to the City,” Bettendorf, Iowa. As a man of great faith, he dedicated countless hours to his various Catholic communities. These included serving as Confraternity Christian Doctrine (CCD) Instructor and President at St. Margaret Mary Church (Lower Burrell, PA); Pre-school Parents Organization, Purdue Univ. (West Lafayette, IN); co-president with his wife, Couples New Timers Club (Lower Burrell, PA); Charter President Bishop’s Pastoral Commission (Westmoreland Diocese, PA); President: Westmoreland Deanery (Westmoreland Diocese, PA). Throughout his life, he continued to enjoy singing in the church choir and serving as a Eucharistic Minister.

In retirement, he volunteered with many organizations most notably, Habitat for Humanity where he served more than 20 years. While working as a leader of the core group he authored the Habitat for Humanity widely circulated Construction Manual, garnering honors and recognition from President Jimmy Carter and the National Habitat for Humanity organization. Jim also volunteered as a small boat crew member at Tellico Boaters Assistance Response Team (TBART) on Lake Tellico, TN. Serving as co-chairman with his wife, Jim hosted the Senior Citizen Monthly Potluck Social for seven and a half years for the city of Vonore, TN. He also served as Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer of the East TN ALCOA Retirees Club in Knoxville, TN. Finally, he designed multiple “Welcome To Vonore” billboards (Vonore, TN) proudly displayed as visitors entered the city limits from various roadways.

Jim is survived by his children James W McIntee Jr. (Eva) of Akron, OH; John D McIntee (Lisa) of Batavia, OH; Janet M. (McIntee) Greiber (Tommy) of New Smyrna Beach, FL; Jeanne A (McIntee) Middleton (Mark, Sr) of Hilliard, OH, June E. (McIntee) Ryan (Tim) of Cleveland OH; Julie J (McIntee) Santucci (Jack) of Stuart FL. Jim is also survived by his nine grandchildren, Jennifer Middleton, Jessica (Middleton) Foley (David), Mark Middleton Jr (Caroline) Janelle (Middleton) McCoy (Cody), Aisling Ryan, John Santucci III (Emma), Jamie (Santucci) Brown and two others. Jim is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Audrey Middleton, Fox McCoy, Jaxen Tommi Middleton and Wren McCoy. Additionally, he has two foster great-grandchildren who he often provided uplifting and encouraging words.

Jim and his wife moved to Hilliard, Ohio in 2020 to be closer to family. During these years, he looked forward to the weekly FaceTime/Zoom calls and many local daily visits from family. This was known as the revolving door of love. He relished learning about the local area through outings including baseball games and events. We would like to express a grateful appreciation to all who helped care for him which allowed him to remain in his home. These included the local health care community, Hospice home care, Veterans Administration, North Home team, Comfort Keepers, and the phenomenal local family support, collectively known as the “Middleton Army.”

Jim was a loving man and a bright light to all. He truly was a blessing to his family and all those who knew him. Heaven has gained an extraordinarily kind and funny man.

The family will receive friends for visitation and a Mass on WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2024 at Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church, 9350 High Free Pike, West Jefferson, OH 43162. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM with the Mass at 11:00 AM. Military honors will be rendered immediately following the Mass. Jim will be laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Mishawaka, IN at Noon on Thursday, August 8, 2024.