Last Updated on July 29, 2018 by cassnetwork
James P. ‘Jim’ Hollibaugh, age 90, Logansport, passed away at 4:39 p.m., on Thursday, July 26, 2018, in WoodBridge Health Campus.
Born in Elkhart on August 5, 1927, he was the son of Harold J. and Agnes M. Strasser Hollibaugh.
He was married to Janne M. Kussmaul of Griffith on June 13, 1959, in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Elkhart, who survives.
He was a 1945 graduated of Elkhart High School and earned his teaching degree from Ball State University in 1952.
At the age of 18, he joined the United States Navy, and entered World War II in August 1945. The war ended the same month (to his mother’s relief). He was enlisted for one year aboard the Navy ship Pawcatuck. He then returned to Elkhart and worked at the post office under his uncle, Hugh Hayes, who was Postmaster.
When at Ball State University, he was a member of the football team. His 1949 team is the ONLY undefeated football team in Ball State history. The team was elected to the BSU Hall of Fame in March 2012, Jim included, and was attended by his son, Mike Hollibaugh, and members of Mike’s family, and Janne, his wife.
Jim was a football coach in Logansport from 1955 until 1972. In 1968, he coached the Berries to an undefeated season, earning honors as Ball State Alumni Coach of the Year. He taught at LHS in the business department and taught many Logansport residents Driver’s Training, Health and Safety and General Business. Many, throughout the years have expressed their memories of learning to drive from Jim. He retired in 1992.
He also coached the semi-pro football team, the Logansport Lancers, in the early 1970s. He enjoyed occasional trips to various casinos and journeys to Iowa to attend son, Tim’s baseball and football teams for Grinnell College.
He was a member of All Saints Catholic Church, the Logansport Elks, Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post 60, and Cass County retired Teachers Association.
Jim enjoyed watching the Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears and Notre Dame football teams, and was a loyal, life-time Cubs fan, and was thrilled to watch them win the 2016 World Series.
Mostly, he loved his home and family. He went to all of his children’s activities that he could attend when not coaching.
Jim was chosen by Mayor Dave Kitchell to be the Citizen of the Week in August 2017. He truly loved coaching football and was fond of all of his players throughout the years, and after retiring from coaching, he became a referee for many area football games.
Also surviving are daughter, Kathleen Horrigan (fiancé, Bob Kirts), Fishers; sons, Mike Hollibaugh (Kate Lustig), Carmel and Tim (Alison) Hollibaugh, Grinnell, Iowa; daughter, Colleen Hollibaugh Newcom, Logansport; grandchildren, William (Shu Ting Song) Hollibaugh, Annie (fiancé, Aaron Kowalski) Hollibaugh, Catherine Hollibaugh, and Ryan, Blake and Lindsey Hollibaugh, great grandchild, Jensen Hollibaugh, cousin, George (Mary) Rittel.
The Tuesday Night ‘Chicken Group’ also survives.
Preceding Jim in death were brothers-in-law, William and Robert Kussmaul, and sister-in-law, Eleanor Kussmaul. son-in-law, John Clarke.
His family gives a special thank you to all the nurses, aides, and physical therapists at WoodBridge Health Campus for their tender care of Jim.
Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m., on Monday, July 30, 2018, at Kroeger Funeral Home, 711 East Market Street, Logansport, with the Rosary recited at 3:45 p.m.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, July 31st, at All Saints Catholic Church, 112 East Market Street, Logansport, with Fr. Jeff Martin and Fr. Kevin Haines officiating.
Interment will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery, Logansport
Memorial contributions may be made to Riley Children’s Foundation, 30 S. Meridian Street, Suite 200, Indianapolis, 46204 or the Cass County Humane Society, 700 Water Street, Logansport 46947.
Family and friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting the online obituary at www.kroegerfuneralhome.com.