James F. Paulson

James F. "Jim" Paulson, 87, of Monticello, passed away at 8:01 am, Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette. He was born on December 8, 1927 to the late Frank J. and Genevieve Palkowski in South Bend, where he lived until joining the Navy. He married the former Velma (Belt) Grist on October 27, 1962 in Ohio. She preceded him in death on October 13, 2002. Mr. Paulson was a WWII vet, having served from 1943-1946 in the South Pacific on a munitions island that furnished ammunition during the Pacific Theater. The majority of his working life, Jim was a salesman. He lived in Kokomo, and was a top salesman for Conkle Pontiac. He couldn't stay retired as he was a long time bird lover, he found enjoyment working at the Wild Bird Store in Kokomo. Jim belonged to the AMVETS, the American Legion, the VFW, The Eagles and the Redman Lodge. He cherished friendships he made at these organizations. Jim loved the lake and was an avid fisherman, spending many long weekends on Freeman for 30 years before making the move to Monticello. He loved Big Band music and loved to dance. Any time there was a band playing locally, he tired to be there. Being from South Bend, he was a life-long Norte Dame fan. He is survived by two daughters, Sue Wright and Sharon Miller both of Monticello; four grandsons, Greg Wright of Great Falls, MT, Mark (Susan) Wright of Monticello, Andrew Grist of Peru, Jacob Grist of Monticello; two granddaughters, Kelly (Christopher) Ottinger of Scottsburg and Megan Grist (Fianc Jake Reiff) of Monticello; 10 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by a son, Max Grist Jr.; and two sisters, Gertrude Pendenski and Betty Djleko. Visitation will be on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at 11am until 1pm. Funeral services will commence with full military rites at 1pm at Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home of Monticello. Rev. Chris Dodson of the Monticello Christian Church will officiate services. Burial will follow at the Shiloh Cemetery in Kokomo. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the American Cancer Society with envelopes available at the funeral home.