James Vern Somsel

Last Updated on March 8, 2026 by Cass County Communication Network

James Vern Somsel, age 87, of Logansport, passed away Friday March 6, 2026, at 9:48 pm, in his residence

Jim was born on June 8,1938 in Scottsburg, Indiana to the late John Vern and Edith Marie (Arthurholtz) Somsel.

James and Sylvia Adrienne Fairchild were married on Aug. 7, 1960 at the Broadway Alliance Church in Logansport. They have made their home in Logansport for 65 years.

Jim was a member of the New Life Alliance Church and former member of Broadway Alliance Church where he was very active as an usher and served on the church board and Sunday School board and was Treasurer for the Sunday School. Jim also helped with Vacation Bible School and helped run the church bus.

He enjoyed camping, bike riding, being with his family and grandchildren, and putting model cars together and Bluegrass music. He liked to look at old cars. He retired from Logansport State Hospital with 27 years of service on the grounds department. He was a barber for 15 years , barbering at shops at then Grissom Air Force Base, Knox, Kokomo, and Logansport.

Jim is survived by his wife Sylvia and 2 wonderful sons, John Vern (Kelly) Somsel of Logansport and William Arthur (Alice) of Logansport, 1 sister Betty Parrot of Seymour, Indiana. He is preceded in death by a sister Lois Moss of Logansport and a brother William Lee Somsel of Logansport. He has 5 grandchildren: Ryan (Erika) Somsel of Woodburn, Indiana, Corrine (Brad) Berkshire of Royal Center, Jessica (Jay Averitt) Staley of Chandler, Arizona, Clay Somsel of Rochester, Indiana. Jaylen Somsel of Logansport. He has 10 Great Grandchildren: Jennifer Berkshire, Vensent Staley, Van Berkshire, Eli Somsel, Beau Berkshire, Bruno Somsel, Wyatt Berkshire, Joe and Ryan Coomer. He has several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 am Wednesday March 11, 2026, in the New Life Alliance Church with Rev. William A. Somsel officiating. A burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

A visitation will be held from 5 -7 pm Tuesday March 10, 2026, in the New Life Alliance Church and 1 hour prior to services in the church on Wednesday.

Memorial contributions, in memory of Jim, may be made to the New Life Alliance Church.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Gundrum Funeral Home. Condolences can be shared at https://gundrumfuneralhome.secure.tributecenteronline.com.