James Nicholas Staton

Feb. 27, 1936 - Aug. 14, 2010

SOUTH BEND - Jim Staton, 74, passed away at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, August 14, 2010, in Providence House, South Bend. Jim was born on February 27, 1936, in South Bend, IN, to Benjamin H. and Edna M. (Schmidt) Staton, and remained a lifelong resident.
 

On September 26, 1959, in South Bend, IN, at St. Anthony's Parish, he married Janet De Bruyne. Along with his wife, Janet Staton, he is survived by five children, Jennifer Ann (Dan) Reynolds of Stillwater, OK, and their children, Patrick, Erin, Christopher and Kathleen Reynolds; Barbara Ann Staton of Flint, MI; Michael (Catherine) Staton of Dayton, OH, and their children, Nicole, Thomas and Daniel Staton; Christopher (Kristina) Staton of Centreville, VA, and their children, Ian, Rachel, Megan, Brian and Alyssa Staton; and Patrick (Kelly) Staton of Gilbert, AZ, and their children, Grace, Kayleigh, Benjamin and Matthew Staton; sister, Jeanne Stanton of Granger; three sisters-in law, Betty De Bruyne and Sarah Staton, both of South Bend, and Ann (Jim) Segers of Woodstock, GA; a brother-in-law, John Andronico of Santa Rosa, CA; and many nieces and nephews.

Three sisters, Barbara Montano, June Biados and Patricia Andronico, and two brothers, William and Benjamin Robert Staton, all preceded Jim in death.

Jim grew up in River Park and was a member of St. Monica's parish. When St. Anthony's parish opened, Jim, his brother Bill and other boys would be driven over to St. Anthony's to serve Mass. They were the first Altar Boys at St. Anthony's. Jim loved Notre Dame football, the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears. He graduated from John Adams High School and joined the Army. After leaving the Army, Father Richard Urbine introduced him to the Legion of Mary where he met his future wife, Janet. He became a tool and die maker, retiring from Honeywell and Raco.

One of the joys of his life was working in the yard. He loved to garden, growing beautiful flowers and vegetables. Jim coached Eastside Little League teams and was a Cub Scout Webelos leader at St. Anthony's School. He was very handy and could build or fix anything. There are lots of reminders around the house of the things he did. We would always laugh when we caught him sneaking chocolate chip cookies. He would get a big grin on his face. Cookies were his very favorite sweet. After his retirement, he and Janet rejoined the Legion of Mary saying the Rosary at Sterling House and Holy Cross on Dugdale Road. They were involved with RCIA at St. Anthony's and part of the Medugorje Sunday night Rosary Group. The Rosary was a very important part of his life. He had a deep appreciation of classical music and he loved to dance. He and Janet had their last dance on this past Valentine's Day. He loved his children and grandchildren very much. Jim's faith, family and friends were what got him through these past difficult years. We can't mention everyone by name, but you know who you are. But we do have to mention Sue, Sarah, Kathy, Betty, Debbie, Mary Anne and Carl, Mary and Bill, Jody and Wayne and Ann. If his life is measured by faith, family and friends he was rich beyond belief.

Our family wishes to give special thanks to the people from Milton Home Day Care, Madison Gyropsych Hospital, Providence House and Harbor Light Hospice. They gave him and our family so much care, comfort, love and support. God bless all of you! Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 20, 2010, in St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church, 2120 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, IN 46617.

Interment will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, IN. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday in the Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend, where a Rosary will be said at 4 p.m. At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, they ask that donations be made to Alzheimer's and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana, Providence House, Harbor Light Hospice, United Cerebral Palsy, St. Anthony's Parish or to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Published in South Bend Tribune on August 18, 2010.

04/08/2021 DEC