James E. "Jim" Tolbert, age 79, of Hobart, IN and formerly of Northwest Indiana, passed away on Friday, February 3, 2023.

Jim was born on December 19, 1943 in Barnesville, OH to the late Harry Tolbert and Ruby (nee Cross) Comer.  He worked for 10 years as a Millwright with US Steel and for 16 years as a press builder for Verson All Steel Press Company, from which he retired in 2005. He was President of UAW Local Union #2006 for eight years. Jim was a proud US Army Veteran who served for 3 years during the Vietnam War.  Two months after his discharge from the Army, he met the love of his life, Sue Flowers, and they married on April 17, 1971.

Jim was a member of the VFW Post #15015 of Munster, IN, DAV Chapter 17 of Hammond, IN, and the American Legion Post #94 of Valparaiso, IN.  He was always honored when others would thank him for his service and wore his Vietnam Veteran's hat with pride.  Jim and Sue became members of the Barrington Ridge Baptist Church in 2010 and have been attending for 13 years.

Jim was very handy and loved to fix anything.  He could pick up just about anything and fix it.  He fell in love with gardening while living in Crown Point.  He also enjoyed working on cars, collecting knives, and reading.  Jim was a beloved husband, dear brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to many and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Jim is survived by his wife of 51 years: Sue; siblings-in-law: Charles Lee (Charlotte) Flowers, Linda (Butch) Balta, and Treva Flowers; several nieces and nephews; dear cousin: Marcia Unger and several other cousins.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents: Harry and Ruby; brother: Danny Tolbert; and brother-in-law: Dan Flowers.

Family and friends may gather at Barrington Ridge Baptist Church 97 Bracken Parkway, Hobart, IN 46342 on Saturday February 25, 2023 at 10:00 am. A memorial service will take place at 11:00 am with Pastor J.J. Hairston officiating.   Jim will be laid to rest at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL on Friday February 24, 2023 at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim's name may be made to the Hines-Fisher House or to Barrington Ridge Baptist Church.  To make a donation to the Fisher House, please make checks payable to Hines-Fisher House and in the memo line please write In Memory of James Tolbert. To make a donation to the Barrington Ridge Baptist Church, please send to 97 Bracken Pkwy, Hobart, IN 46342.