James Edward Mellinger

James Edward Mellinger, 86, died Tuesday September 27, 2016, while living at Bentley Village in Naples. Born May 13, 1930 and raised in West Orange, NJ, he was a graduate of Bucknell University, 1952, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He married his college sweetheart in 1953 and they settled in Lake Bluff, Illinois where they raised their family. Jim worked for Outboard Marine Corporation as Director of Quality Assurance. While there he earned a Master’s of Business Administration from Lake Forest College. Retiring after 32 years, he and his wife settled in Marco Island where they lived for 25 years. Jim had many interests, and loved boating, fishing and snowmobiling. He was also a licensed private pilot for many years, flying a plane he built himself. In retirement, he enjoyed travel, both abroad and also RVing all across North America. Jim served as Commodore of the Marco Bay Yacht Club and remained a member until his death. He was appointed to the first Marco Island Waterways Advisory Committee, chairing it for several years. Devoted to his Church, he was an active Trustee and, together with his wife, restored the Garden of Memories. After moving to Bentley Village in 2013 he became active in the Fix-It shop and was involved with Toys for God’s Kids, helping to make small wooden cars for children all over the world. His is survived by his wife, Sydney S. Mellinger and three children, Barbara Mellinger Brockmann (Dr. Kent G.) of New Richmond, WI, Nancy Carol Adams (Frederick W.) of Marco Island and Paul Sherwin Mellinger (Amy F.) of Ridgefield, CT, five grandchildren, Samuel (Sarah) Brockmann, Hannah Brockmann, Charles Mellinger, Clare Mellinger and Daniel Mellinger, and one great grandchild, Hope Brockmann. He was predeceased by his parents, Mearle C. and Adeline R. Mellinger, as well as his sister, Betty Ann Mellinger. A memorial service will be held in the Palmetto Room in the East Club House at Bentley Village on October 15, 2016 at 10 AM. A second service will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church at 4 PM also on October 15, 2016. Memorial gifts should be sent to Garden of Memories, Wesley United Methodist Church, 320 S. Barfield Drive, Marco Island, FL 34145. Online condolences may be left by visiting www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home.

James Edward Mellinger

May 13, 1930 - September 27, 2016