James “Jim” Cartwright, 69, of Mishawaka, Indiana, surrounded by his loving family, passed away on June 15, 2022, following a lengthy illness.
Jim was born July 27, 1952, in La Porte, Indiana, to the late Dr. Jack and Ruth (Swanson) Cartwright.
After attending La Porte High School, Jim served as a Naval Corpsman for the United States Navy and was stationed at the Naval Hospital in Charleston, South Carolina. From there, Jim attended Indiana University where he pursued a degree in Criminal Justice and graduated from the Indiana University Police Academy in 1977.
Jim became a Police Officer for the Indiana University Police Department and later was promoted to sergeant before returning to La Porte. Once he made his way home, he owned and operated Pine Lake Marina and Midwest Marine Surveyors.
Jim married his wife Kelle (Mullins) Cartwright on October 24, 1992, in Michigan City, Indiana, and later moved to Mishawaka, Indiana, where he finished his career in Advertising Sales.
Jim had many hobbies throughout his lifetime. He could often be found building websites which during his retirement became a side business. In addition, he enjoyed flying remote control airplanes and was a member of the Michiana R.C. Pylon Racing Association where he sat on their executive board for a few years.
Jim also loved to travel. His favorite vacations were spent in Lake Tahoe and Jamaica. Throughout the years, Jim made many wonderful memories in his own yard with his Steeplechase family. Spending time laughing and telling stories with family and friends whether on the lake, around a bonfire, or at a bar was what Jim enjoyed most.
Jim is survived by his wife, Kelle Cartwright of Mishawaka, Indiana; his children, Brian (Renae) Cartwright of Bedford, Indiana, and Victoria (Dylan Pflughaupt-fiancé) Cartwright of Chicago, Illinois; his granddaughter, Olivia Cartwright of Bedford, Indiana; his sister, Beth (Kurt) Hodges of Tallahassee, Florida; his father in-law, Clarence Mullins of Mishawaka, Indiana; his sisters-in-law, Tracey (Jeff) Cummins of La Porte, Indiana, and Jeanne Cartwright of La Porte, Indiana; and three nephews, Colby Cummins of La Porte, Indiana, Brayden Cummins of Des Plaines, Illinois, and Tony Neumann of La Porte, Indiana.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Robert (Bob) Cartwright, and mother-in-law, Antoinette (Sis) Mullins.
Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. (C.S.T.), Monday, June 20, 2022, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. (C.S.T.), Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 102 G. Street, La Porte, Indiana, where family and friends may visit from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. (C.S.T.), Pastor Dennis Meyer will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to, Heartland Hospice, 230 W. Catalpa Drive, Suite D., Mishawaka, Indiana 46545-8322, or the American Lung Association, 55 W. Wacker Drive STE 1150, Chicago, Illinois 60601.
To light a virtual candle, share a story of James’s life or leave a message of comfort for the family, please visit www.EsslingFuneralHome.com.
