James Orville Chelf age 63, of Valparaiso passed away Saturday, July 31, 2021, at his home. Jim was born March 19, 1958, in Hobart, Indiana to the late Orville and Patricia (nee DeVine) Chelf.  Jim worked for the Midwest U.S. Steel Mill as an electrician. He enjoyed dirt bikes, cooking (Master Chelf), working on cars, music and bee keeping.  Jim will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend.

Jim is survived by his wife, Debbie Deardurff- Chelf; two children, Donald Chelf and Kisha (Triston) Harris; two stepsons Brian (Jessica) Deardurff and Brandon Deardurff; five grandchildren, Adian Chelf, Corey and Cora Harris and Giada and Ari Deardurff; siblings, Brian (Judith) Chelf, Patricia "Trish" Mikiatis and Daniel (Melinda) Chelf; aunt, Delores Chelf; and many other loving family and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Chelf, and sister, Michelle Siroky.

In lieu of flowers donations to James's family would be appreciated.

Funeral service will be held August 7, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel 5341 Central Avenue Portage, Indiana 46368. Cremation will follow. Visitation Saturday, August 7, 2021 from  2:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel (219) 762-3013 Onlinecondolences may be submitted at www.reesfuneralhomes.com .