James P. "Jim" Ligda, of Portage, passed away Thursday, September 15, 2016. He was born on July 25, 1921 in Stafford, PA to the late John and Mary Ligda. An area resident since 1948, Jim was a dedicated member of Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church. He proudly served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army during World War II. Jim retired from Midwest Steel where he was employed as a Boiler House Operator. He was formerly a lifetime member and past Post Commander of the VFW Post# 1563 and member of the American Legion Post #260. He also belonged to the Slovak Club and was a founding member of the Midwest Retirees Club. Jim was a lifelong Cubs fan. One of his fondest memories was attending a Cubs game with his family, meeting some of the players and being asked to throw out the first pitch. In 2011, he had the privilege of being escorted on an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. by his son, Paul.

Jim is survived by his sons, Paul (Joan) Wilson of Quincy, IL, James (Kathleen) Wilson of Stevens Point, WI, Michael (Cynthia) Ligda of Dayton, NV; daughter, Janette (Dave) Bergstedt of Valparaiso; grandchildren, Scott Wilson, Jill (Paul) Obbagy, Jennifer (John) Cinfaldi, Matthew R. Wilson, Lucas A. Wilson, Jessica P. (Don) Quinn, Chelle Finkler, Melissa (Trey) Fackelman, James M. (Heather) Ligda, Andrew (Erica) Bergstedt, Anthony (Martha) Bergstedt, Adam (Tara) Bergstedt, Amy (Mario) D'Anna, Alexander Bergstedt; 26 great grandchildren; brothers, Robert Ligda, and Edward (Joann) Ligda; sister, Rita McFadden.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Lou (nee Carrington-Wilson) Ligda, second wife, Virginia Stange; 5 brothers; and 4 sisters. Memorial contributions in Jim's name may be made to Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church, 2949 Willowcreek Rd., Portage.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 10:00 am at Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church, 2949 Willowcreek Rd, Portage with visitation there from 9:30 am until the time of service. Rev. Andrew J. Corona is officiating. He will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Portage. Visitation for Jim will be held Monday, September 19, 2016 from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage. For more information, please call (219) 762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.