James Dale Medley, age 56 of Portage passed away Wednesday, December 31, 2014. He was born on June 13, 1958 in Gary, Indiana. James was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and camping. He loved his family and and had a big heart.

He is survived by his parents, Thomas and Erlene Medley of Portage, IN; one brother, Thomas Dwayne Medley of Valparaiso, IN; 4 sisters, Charlotte (John) Russell of Portage, IN; Kathy (Bob) Ton of Porter, IN; Paula (Chuck) Powers of OH; Teresa (George Currier) Tachik of Lake Station, IN; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and special friends.

A special thanks to the ER, ICU and all the medical staff at Porter Regional Hospital, the Portage Paramedics, and the Portage Police Dept. who worked effortlessly and compassionately to save our son and brother who we so desperately loved and cherished. He will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the family would be appreciated.

Funeral services are Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Rees Funeral Olson Chapel 5341 Central Ave., Portage. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso. Visitation is Monday, January 5, 2015 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel. Call (219) 762-3013 or visit us online at www.Reesfuneralhomes.com.