JAMES M. GASKA

James M. Gaska Oct. 26, 1951 - June 22, 2015 MISHAWAKA - James "Jim" M. Gaska, 63, of Mishawaka, IN, passed away on the morning of Monday, June, 22, 2015.

He was born on October 26, 1951, in South Bend, IN, and was a 1970 graduate of Central High School.

Surviving family includes his daughters, Elizabeth "Libby" Huffer, April (Chris) Strasser, and Karen Huffer; his sons, Phillip Gaska, Patrick (Missy) Gaska, and Michael "Mouse" Huffer; grand-daughters, Lindsey Huffer and Amaya Huffer; grandson, Zachary " Zak" Major; stepfather, Albert Ewald; and fianc‚e, Franceska Leichtman. Also surviving are 6 sisters, a brother, and many other beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jim was a lifelong resident of the South Bend/ Mishawaka area, which served him well as a dedicated cab driver and dispatcher for Checker/City Cab, and previously the Yellow Cab Company. He was the type of man who made sure others had what they needed, even if it meant he had to go without. He would go out of his way to help his elderly passengers with their requests, no matter when they called.

Jim was an avid bowler who could be found lofting his ball halfway down the lane at many of the area bowling alleys. In addition to his family and bowling, he also loved working, gambling, and taking chances on scratch-off lottery tickets.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John Gaska and Joan (Larimer) Ewald; wife, Deatra (Freeman) Gaska; and brother, Richard "Rick" Gaska.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, July 5, 2015, at Welsheimer Family Funeral Home, 521 N. William Street. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the services. Cremation has taken place at Welsheimer Crematory. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Jun. 28, 2015.

01/20/2023 EJS, RIP my friend