RICHARD M. "MEL" JAMES Richard M. "Mel" James, 93, of Terre Haute passed away Tuesday morning, February 4, 2014 in Davis Gardens Health Center. He worked for and retired as an Engineer with the Pennsylvania and Conrail Railroads. Mel was born February 11, 1920 in Brazil, Indiana to Arthur David James and Mae Cole James. Survivors include his loving wife of 75 years, Anna J. Gallez James; two daughters, Donna Huxel and her husband, Gary, of Terre Haute and Linda Lortz and her husband, Eric, of St. James Plantation, NC; a son, Stephen W. James and his wife, Ann, of Idaho Falls, ID; a brother, K.W. James of Terre Haute; and three grandchildren, Ryan Lortz of DePere, WI, Reid Lortz and his wife, Illana, of Chicago, IL and Tysen Huxel of Indianapolis, IN. Also surviving are three great-grandchildren, Grace Lortz, Alex Lortz and Will Lortz; a nephew, John James and his wife, Connie, of Washington, IN; two loving nieces, Joanna Cundiff and her husband, John, and Susanna James all of Terre Haute; and several great-nieces and great-nephews including Ian Cundiff of Chicago. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Art James; two sisters-in-law, Catherine James and Helen James; and two nephews, Rick James and David James. Mel was a graduate of Gerstmeyer High School and served in the Merchant Marine Corps during World War II. He was a member of Retired Railmans Association, Terre Haute Social Lodge #86 F & AM, Scottish Rite Valley of Terre Haute, Zorah Shrine and Sycamore Country Club. He was a long-time volunteer with the Service League of Union Hospital. Mel requested that there be no visitation or services. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 South 25th Street. The family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Union Hospital Foundation, 1606 North 7th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47804.. Funeral information may also be found at www.callahanandhughes.com .
