Submitted by: Dan Rich

James H. Lahey

May 1, 1916 - Dec. 28, 2000

South Bend Tribune 12/31/2000

James H. "Jim" Lahey, 84, passed into eternal life on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2000. He was born in South Bend, Ind. to Sylvester and Alice (Eckler) Lahey. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1938 and was a decorated Veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Marine Corps and retiring with the rank of Colonel. A local businessman for over 40 years, he was President and owner of Eckler-Lahey Lumber and Manufacturing Co. until he retired in 1979.

His first wife Ruby Taylor preceded him in death and in 1978, Jim married Charlotte Hoff, who survives him. He is also survived by four children, Theresa L. (Charles) Miller of Okemos, Mich., Thomas J. (Sarah) Lahey of Tiburon, Calif., Patrick B. (Mary) Lahey and Charles W. (Jennifer) Lahey, both of South Bend; eight step-children, Paul E. (Karen) Hoff of Goshen, Ind., Jane E. (Jeff) Harman of Lakeville, Ind., Thomas D. Hoff and Joel P. (Tracy) Hoff, both of South Bend, Jeffery C. (Nora) Hoff of Mishawaka, Mary T. (Marc) Dyer of Chesapeake, Va., Peggy A. (Tim) Breitenbach of Milford, Ohio, and Tony G. (Sally) Hoff of Noblesville, Ind.; and by 29 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Himself an Eagle Scout and an avid sportsman, Jim served on the Board of Directors for the Boy Scout Council, Camp Fire Girls and the YMCA of Metropolitan South Bend-Mishawaka. Active politically and legislatively at the local and state levels throughout his life, Jim was appointed Chairman of the Advisory Council and served as Chairman of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. As a parishioner of Saint Matthew's Cathedral, he served on the Diocesan Board of Directors.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2001 in St. Matthew's Cathedral with Bishop Daniel R. Jenky and Bishop Joseph R. Crowley officiating. Entombment will then take place at Highland Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, Jan. 1, 2001 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Guisinger Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, 3718 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, Ind. where a Rosary will be recited at 4 p.m.