James R. "Jim" Royal, 81 of Bluffton, Indiana, passed away on Friday, January 27, 2023, at 6:55pm at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne.
Jim was born on June 25, 1941, in Fowlerton, (Grant Co.) Indiana to the late Arthur & Alta (Rhodes) Royal. He married Bonnie S. James on August 10, 1962, in Hartford City, IN. Jim was a 1959 graduate of Fairmount High School. He worked at Franklin Electric for 35 years, retiring when the company was renamed to Bluffton Motorworks. Jim loved to ride motorcycles with his wife and buddies, and was a member of the riding club, "Friends on Wheels." He was a member of the Bluffton Moose Lodge 242 and enjoyed playing euchre, bowling, and loved watching and listening to his son’s bands over the years.
Loving survivors include his wife, Bonnie Royal of Bluffton, IN, son, James Wade Royal, of Bluffton, IN, daughter, Kristie Darlene Royal, of Arlington, VA. and grandson, Dwayne Royal of Bluffton, IN.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Kylene Sue Royal (2018), sisters, Helen (Oscar) Keith, Ruth (James) Baird, brothers, Derrill (Anna Bell) Royal, Merrill (Mary) Royal, and John (Gwen) Royal.
Friends and family may gather to share and remember on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at Walker & Glancy Funeral Home located at 109 W. Windsor St. Montpelier, IN 47359, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Visiting hours will also be held one hour prior to the service, starting at 10:00 AM on Friday, February 3, 2023. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 3, 2023 with Pastor Nate Morrow officiating. Burial will follow at Grove Cemetery in rural Poneto, Wells County, Indiana.
