James E. Stonecipher "Stoney", age 75, of Valparaiso passed away Sunday September 2, 2012 at Porter Regional Hospital. He was born October 6, 1936 in Gary, Indiana to the late John and Rosella (Edie) Stonecipher. On September 24, 1977 he married Judith Berns. He retired from Bethlehem Steel in 1999 where he was a ladle crane operator. He loved collecting trains and would drive for miles to see a working steam engine. He was a member of American Legion Post #502 SAL.
He is survived by his wife Judith ; three sons James E. Stonecipher of Logansport, Timothy Stonecipher of Texas, and Jonathan Stonecipher of Mexico, IN; four step children John (Margarita) Berns of DeMotte, Kenny (Angi) Berns of Valparaiso, Suzanne Berns of Valparaiso and Samantha Berns of DeMotte; seven grandchildren; eleven step grandchildren; several great grandchildren; his stepmother Norma Tempe Wenal of Portage; and one brother Richard (Barbara) Tempe of Wheatfield.
He was preceded in death by his parent John Tempe and Rosella White, and two brothers David A. White and Robert Stonecipher.
Funeral services will held 2:00 pm Saturday September 8, 2012 at Rees Funeral Home Olson Chapel 5341 Central Avenue Portage, Indiana 46368 with pastor Dan Oliver officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Lawn Cemetery in Schererville. Visitation will be Friday from 2-8 pm at the Funeral Home with a 7:00 pm Sons of the American legion Memorial Service.