James E Liparula

Garrett – James E Liparula, 68 of Garrett died Monday March 19, 2018 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. He was born December 23, 1949 in Wilkes Barre, PA to Edward A and Helen G ( Holland) Liparula. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving 9 years of Active duty during the Vietnam War. He was a lite Helicopter observation scout, He served with the 1st Infantry and 1st Aviation Battalion. Jim was stationed in Phouloy, CanTho and Soc Trang. He was a fireman in Baltimore, Maryland for 3 years, served with the Garrett Police Reserves for 10 years and retired as a Locomotive Engineer after 37 years with the D & H Railroad and CSX Railroad in 2006. Jim’s memberships include the First Church of Christ of Garrett, American Legion Post 178 of Garrett where he held offices and was active with the Funeral Honor Guard. VFW Post 1892 of Garrett, DAV of DeKalb County Chapter 43 serving as a DAV driver since 2004, Garrett Eagles, Garrett City Masonic Lodge, Mispah Shrine of Fort Wayne, Quiet Knight, Howard County Vietnam Veterans Association, Northeast Indiana Vietnam Veterans Association, Legion Rider Squad 97 and Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainman Division 153 since 1995. He was VFW 4th District Chaplin visiting Veterans in Hospitals and Nursing Homes. Jim’s life always revolved around helping veterans. He married Charlene F “Charlie” (Price) Liparula on May 19, 1995 in Coshocton, Ohio and she died August 17, 2016. Surviving are 2 sons and a daughter, Mark Groff of Reading, PA, Stefanie R (Leon) Hicks of Garrett and Michael D Burger of Garrett; grandchildren, Laylah M Hicks, Lillee F. Hicks, Liam M.H. Hicks and MaKenssey N Hicks. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and a sister Mary Liparula. Services will be 1 PM Saturday March 24, 2018 at the First Church of Christ in Garrett. Brother Bud Owen will officiate and burial will follow in Christian Union Cemetery in Garrett. Calling is Friday from 5 to 7 PM and also 2 hours prior to the service Saturday from 11 to 1 all at the church. Preferred memorials are to the American Heart Association or Quiet Knights. Feller and Clark Funeral Home of Auburn are assisting the family with arrangements. To send condolences visit www.fellerandclark.com