Mar.
9, 1931 - Jan. 8, 2009LAKEVILLE - James R. Axelberg, 77, residing in Lakeville, IN, passed away unexpectedly at 2:03 p.m. Thursday, January 8, 2009, in the emergency room of Memorial Hospital. Born March 9, 1931, in South Bend, he was the son of H. Probert and Jane (Kingston) Axelberg, and remained a lifelong resident of our community. His entire career was devoted to the family business, General Sheet Metal Works, South Bend, which his father founded in 1922. Jim was currently serving as vice president. The company is now led by his son John, a third generation. On June 20, 1953, in First Baptist Church, Anderson, IN, Jim was united in marriage to Lou Taylor. His loving wife of 55 years survives him. Also surviving are his daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Craig McCoy of McLean, VA; his son and daughter-in-law, John Axelberg and Alice McLane of South Bend; and his granddaughter, Emily Axelberg of South Bend. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and by two brothers, Philip M. and Robert K. Axelberg. Mr. Axelberg graduated from James Whitcomb Riley High School in 1949 and Franklin College in 1953. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War, and was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, South Bend. He had a passion for cars and had just completed the restoration of a 1949 MG TC. He was a member of the British Car Club, and loved going to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. His greatest passion, however, was for his family and his extraordinary circle of friends. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 12, in Grace United Methodist Church, 3012 South Twyckenham Drive, South Bend. Rev. David Schrader and Rev. Lauren Hall will officiate. Graveside services and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. today in the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend, and one hour prior to services Monday in the church. Contributions in memory of James R. Axelberg may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, to the American Heart Association, or to the Studebaker National Museum, 525 South Main Street, South Bend, IN 46601.