CENTERVILLE- James Melvin Eliason, 83, of rural Centerville, Indiana, passed away while surrounded by his loved ones on Saturday morning, March 11, 2023 at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. James was born April 5th, 1939 in Richmond, Indiana.

James lived all his life in Centerville and graduated from Centerville High School in 1957. James served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. After two years of active duty, he was honorably discharged on June 3, 1964. He farmed with his dad on the family farm until he purchased his own land. He was a former member of the American Legion Post 169- Cambridge City, American Legion Post 330- Hagerstown, and the Amvets- Greens Fork. He was a lifetime volunteer firefighter at Cambridge City and Centerville stations. In his leisure time, he enjoyed spending time with his beloved dogs and cracking a cold one with his friends.

Survivors include his significant other of 31 years, Carole Sherwood and her son, Alex (Ciara) Sherwood of Centerville; 2 daughters, April (Kelly) Runkle of Milton and Dale (Doug) Anderson of New Paris, OH; 8 grandchildren; 1 great granddaughter; sister, Janet Hollenbach of Daytona, FL; 2 half-brothers; 6 half-sisters.

James is preceded in death by his father, Walter Eliason; mother, Eileen McMillan; and stepmother, Virginia Eliason.

In accordance with James' wishes, cremation has been entrusted to Marshall & Erlewein Funeral Home. A celebration of life for family and friends will be held on a later date.

Monetary donations to defer the service cost, may be sent to Marshall & Erlewein Funeral Home- P.O. Box 158- Dublin, IN 47335.