James "Jim" J. Olinger

James J. Olinger, 64, of South Bend, passed away on Friday, July 16, 2021 at Memorial Hospital. He was born February 24, 1957 in Mishawaka. He was born to Bessie Olinger.

Jim worked at Barnabys Pizza. He served in the National Guard. He was a Special Olympics athlete. Jim was a big fan of lots of sports especially, Notre Dame basketball, Chicago Cubs, Indianapolis Colts and WWE. He liked to build model cars, fish and bowl.

On February 5, 1983 in Mishawaka, Jim married the former Rita Wachs who survives. He is survived by his two daughters, Connie Olinger and Bridgette Olinger; father, Richard Kline, Sr.;sister, Jackie Rose;and several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and many special cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Dawn Kline; brother, John Olinger and brother, Richard Kline, Jr.;and and grandparents, James Olinger and Jenny Olinger.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, July 23 at 11:00 AM at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 2822 Corpus Christi Drive, South Bend with Father Daryl Rybicki officiating.  Family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM . Burial will take place at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park at a later date.

Palmer Funeral Home-Bubb Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Jim may be donated to Special Olympics of St. Joseph County, PO Box 643, Mishawaka, IN 46546-0643.

Online condolences may be left for the Olinger family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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