James L. Muhlenkamp age 88, of Portland passed away with his family by his side on Friday evening December 11, 2020 at Persimmon Ridge in Portland. He was born in Trinity, Indiana on February 25, 1932 the son of Leo and Agnes (Braun) Muhlenkamp. In 1956, he married Erma Stammen of Philothea, Ohio and she survives.

Surviving are his wife Erma, four daughters Dr. Katherine Wellman (husband Larry) of Rockville, Maryland, Ann LaFontaine (husband Steve) of Jasper, Georgia, Lori Reece (husband David) of Albany, Indiana and Mary Tobe (husband Elmer) of Fort Wayne, Indiana , one sister Martha Hilgeford (husband Arnold) of Portland, Thirteen grandchildren Alexander Wellman, Kristen Biesecker (husband Steve), Tyler Wellman, Nichol LaFontaine, Christopher LaFontaine, Amanda Williford (husband Matthew), Alexis Beaty (husband Eric), Gabrielle Wright (husband Patrick), Lauren Donovan (husband Harry), Hunter Tobe (wife Kaylyn), Taylor Tobe, Isabella Tobe and Ethan Tobe and seven great grandchildren Reece and Mila Williford, Lorelai Beaty, Mason and Lucas Tobe, Iva Donovan and Jackson Gullett.

He was preceded in death by a son Gregory Muhlenkamp, step-mother Mary Schmitt, Siblings and in laws JoAnn and Ralph Brackman, Rosie and Bevan Deitsch, Luella and Mark Laux, Lewis and Trudy Muhlenkamp, Norma and Joe Wallischeck and Eileen and Lewis Welsch.

James was proud to serve in the U.S. Army and was a Veteran of the Korean Conflict. In addition to farming, he was an innovative skilled tradesman at Fruehauf Trailer Corporation. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. James was a good husband, father, sibling and friend. He was creative, imaginative and resourceful in all aspects of life. James is the reigning Veterans Administration checker board game champion, winning the competition at the state level. He enjoyed playing checkers or chess with anyone who would accept his challenge as well as playing cards with his sisters, and spending time with family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday December 18, 2020 at 10:00 AM in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portland with Fr. Peter Logsdon presiding. Burial will follow in the Green Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00 – 7:00 PM in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home. Memorials can be made to masses.

Online condolences to baird-freeman@yahoo.com