James L. Dwyer, 94, a life long resident of Spencerville, IN passed from this world into the arms of his Savior on July 12, 2026. He was a man of honor and integrity who loved his Lord, his family and friends, his country, and Indiana University Basketball.

Jim was born on January 21, 1932 to Walter and Jessie (Maurer) Dwyer and was raised by his grandparents, Roy and Inez Maurer.  He graduated from Spencerville High School where he was a star basketball player.  He married Arden Slough on March 5, 1953 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Spencerville. She preceded him in death on September 10, 2015.

Jim served the country he loved in the US Army in Korea for two years as a Sergeant First Class in combat.  After coming home from the war, he built the home he lived in for nearly 70 years, where he and Arden raised four children, Jayne Dwyer-Reff (Jerry Reff) of Ft. Wayne, Susan Bungard (Bryce Heller), Tom Dwyer of Houston, TX and John Dwyer (Cheryle Rece) of Spencerville.  His legacy continues with grandchildren, Angela (Bradley) Ratliff, Benjamin (Kellie) Bungard, Adam (Katie) Reff, and Amy (Adam) Odorizzi and great grandchildren, Addison & Ethan Ratliff, Ava, Truett & Lucia Bungard.  He was the best father ever, rarely missing any of the kids activities and always there to help with whatever was needed when they were grown.

In addition to Arden, Jim was preceded in death by son-in-law, Randy Bungard in 2011; his brother & sister-in-law, Ron & Bonnie Dwyer; half brothers, Paul & Barry Dwyer and a half sister, Judy Thomas.

Jim owned Dwyer Construction Co. for 25 years and also worked for Irv Venderly and Herb Biberstine in Ft. Wayne.  Working with his hands was his calling and he did it well!  There are many lasting tributes of his fine work all over the tristate area.  He also served as Scottish Rite Building Supervisor for 10 years in Ft. Wayne.  In his "free" time and retirement, he was a member of Concord Masonic Lodge where he held several offices for 60 years white attaining 32 Degree Mason.  It was his privilege to present Bibles to over 50 new Masons.  He received the Meritorious Service Award in 2019 as well as his 50 year award in the Scottish Rite.  He made it possible for several children to attend the Scottish Rite School for Dyslexia.  Jim was also a member of Mizpah Shrine of Ft. Wayne, chaperoning hundreds of 4th graders from DeKalb County to over one hundred Shrine Circuses for more than 60 years.  He was able to sponsor several children for the Shriner Hospitals for children.  Jim was a member of The order of the Eastern Star, joining in 1963 and holding many offices in that organization.  One of his biggest pleasures was making the donuts for the Auburn Fair for over 63 years where he was given the title of Senior Advisor and Lifetime Member of the donut work crew, even helping to design their new custom donut trailer.  In 2020 the Eastern Stars created a scholarship in memory of Arden and Jim and it is awarded to a deserving Eastside High School Senior every spring to continue their education.  Jim served as a Spencerville Volunteer Fire Fighter.  When the Community Club burned in 1970, he became the Building Superintendent for the new Community Club.  He also enjoyed his time serving on the Spencer Township Sewer Board, from its inception until just over a year ago.

He loved his church, St. Peter's Lutheran Church and they loved him back.  For his 90th birthday, they erected a flag pole in his honor so that his love of country and faith is seen by all who drive by.  He continued to give "Patriotic Talks" - complete with all the music! - at St. Peter's for any Patriotic Holiday as well as to many other organizations to which he was invited to speak. He was thrilled to participate on the Honor Flight in 2018, creating many more wonderful memories.  He said "I always tried to work hard and do what was right.  I guess it paid off".

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 12 noon with calling from 10 am - 12 noon at St. Peter's Lutheran Church (6893 SR 1 Spencerville, IN). Masonic Lodge Service will be held at 9:30 am at the church.  Burial in White City Cemetery, Spencerville with military honors from the Leo American Legion.

Memorials may be given to Shriner's Hospital for Children, St. Peter's Lutheran Church or the Spencerville Community Club.

We give special thanks and appreciation to all the member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church for all the support and love they have given to our father through all these years.