James M. Fortener

DELPHOS-James Fortener, age 84, of Delphos, passed away Wednesday April 8, 2026 at St. Rita’s Medical Center.

He was born May 10, 1941 in Delphos to Melvin Fortener and Marcella (Grothouse) Fortener, who preceded him in death. On November 28, 1964 he married Sharon (Buettner) Fortener and they celebrated nearly 60 years of marriage, she preceded him in death on October 17, 2024.

He is survived by sons, Michael (Mandy) of Avon, Indiana and Steven “Stu” (Jennifer) of South Bend Indiana; 3 grandchildren, Justin, Luke and Kyle; a brother, Tom Fortener of Chicago Illinois; a niece, Missy (Josh) Ready; nephew, Andy (Alisha) Fortener.

Jim was a graduate of Delphos St. John’s and a member of the St. John’s the Evangelist Church. He had served in the Army National Guard, and had worked at the Delphos Bending Works. Jim was named the Delphos Herald “Man of the Year”. He was very active in the Delphos community, he served as a City Councilman, he was a member of The Kiwanis Club, the K of C #1362 Ray McKowan Council, Delphos Coon & Sportsman Club; he served all of these organizations selflessly. Jim was an avid wordsmith, fisherman and Notre Dame fan.

A Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2:00-6:00 p.m. on Sunday April 12, 2026 at Weber Funeral Home, 1840 E. Fifth St., Delphos, where a K of C Rosary will begin at 5:45 p.m. followed by a Parish Wake Service at 6:00 p.m.  The family requests donations being made to any of the organizations that Jim was involved in. 

Online condolences may be shared at weberfh.net