Ausenbaugh, James E.

Hendersonville, TN, formerly of Merrillville, IN, James, age 90, died peacefully on Monday, January 6, 2014 in Hendersonville, TN.

He was born in Crofton, Kentucky on August 26, 1923. At the age of 14, when his father passed, he assumed responsibility for providing for his mother and four siblings. James served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He lived most of his life in Merrillville, IN. James retired from U.S. Steel after nearly 40 years of service. He had been an avid ham radio operator. James moved to Tennessee two years ago to live with his daughter’s family. He will be remembered for being a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, neighbor and friend to all whom he knew.

Prior to moving to Tennessee, James was a member of the Divine Providence National Catholic Church in Merrillville, Indiana. He attended Long Hollow Baptist Church in Hendersonville for the past two years.

James is survived by daughter, Patricia (Ernie) Wiggers; sons, Richard (Shirley) Ausenbaugh, Phillip Ausenbaugh, and Theodore (Anita) Kolivas; grandchildren, Julia Wiggers, Sara Ausenbaugh, Christopher Ausenbaugh, Ashley Kolivas, and Angel Kolivas; niece, Phyllis Ann Dunajski; sisters, Lula McBride and Lois Moore; brother, Thomas Ausenbaugh. He is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Phyllis Ausenbaugh; parents, Bryant and Mae Ausenbaugh; brother, Ruben Ausenbaugh; stepson, James Kolivas, and great-nephew Phillip Alan Bowles.

Patricia would like to thank the owners and caregivers of Long Hollow Terrace, Blessed Care Home Service of Hendersonville, and long-time family friend Marian Oprish for their love, care, and support provided to both her father and her family during the last months of James’ life.

A memorial service and burial will be held at the Calvary Cemetery in Portage, Indiana on Friday, May 30, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. with luncheon following.