James E. Seybold

James “Jim” Eugene Seybold, 88, passed away April 22, 2024, in his hometown of South Bend. He was born on the evening of July 15, 1935 -- during a lunar eclipse -- to Guy and Grace Petersen Seybold.  Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Mary Lou Seybold. Jim was also preceded in death by brother William Seybold, stepson Jeff Barnes, and step-grandson, Joshua Barnes.

Jim is survived by his children, Robert Seybold (Marybeth Saunders), Elizabeth (James) Hasse, and Katherine Scott (Deane Defontes), stepdaughter Lisa Greco, step-daughter-in-law Patty Barnes, and his good friend of many years David Kane.

He is also survived by his grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Anthony Greco, Augusta (Mitchell) McClean, Tom Hasse, Emma Defontes, Clara Defontes, Rebecca Barnes, Joye (Nathan) Green, Deborah Barnes, Esther Barnes, and Andrew (Kymm) Mihail.  Also surviving are his great-grandchildren, Hannah, Joseph, and Samuel McClean and step-great-grandchildren, Samantha Mihail, and Jasper Green. Jim also leaves behind his nieces and nephews, Dawn (Mark) Hawkins, William (Jan) Seybold Jr., Tamara (Steve) Hoersten, Janet (Dean) Rudasics, and Philip (Josie) Seybold.

Jim graduated from Central High School in 1953, a proud member of the Usher's Club.

He dreamed of becoming a cartoonist. He studied art in Chicago, at Ringling School of Art in Florida, and at Western Michigan University.

Jim was best known, career-wise, for his work as a home designer for Portage Reality, where his wife, Mary Lou, worked as a realtor. She and Jim lived in a beautiful villa at Tawny Lake, a Portage-built community for which Jim designed all the homes.  After retirement, Jim designed homes though his business Hoosier House Plans.

Jim was a friendly person with a ready smile. He had a sense of humor and loved to laugh. He was curious about people. He loved to talk to the staff at Martin's and Walgreens and to learn their life stories. He loved music and the outdoors. He enjoyed taking the family on trips out west to Yellowstone in the station wagon, or up north to Rock Lake in Ontario, Canada. He liked to fish, to hike in the woods, to shoot targets, and to hunt up a good breakfast spot with the guys.

Jim was easy-going and accepting. He was a good provider and loved his family.  He especially loved his wife and his brother Bill. 

He loved the music of John Denver, and the lyrics "Country roads, take me home / To the place I belong..."

He was well-loved and will be missed.

Jim’s Celebration of Life will be held on Monday May 20, 2024, at Palmer Funeral Home – River Park Chapel, 2528 Mishawaka, Ave. South Bend, IN, with visitation at 2:00 pm, service at 2:30, and a reception immediately following.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the St, Joseph County, Indiana Chapter Izaak Walton League, 20400 Darden Road, South Bend, IN 46637.  Palmer Funeral Homes - River Park Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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