Paul James "Jim" Diffenbach

Paul James (Jim) Diffenbach, 92, of Chesterton, IN passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025, surrounded by his devoted family. Jim was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Paul N. Diffenbach and Irene (Dancoe) Diffenbach. Jim had the happiest of childhoods as the eldest of five honorable, sports-loving brothers, with loving parents who emphasized education and a strong work ethic. He graduated from Penn State with a degree in metallurgical engineering; his time at Penn State's Happy Valley was one of his most treasured memories, including his Alpha Chi Sigma fraternity, and he remained a Penn State fan and generous supporter throughout his life. Even at the end, he was able to watch the Notre Dame / Penn State game, and was very upset by their loss! He was honored to serve his country as an Air Force ROTC candidate at Penn State, eventually serving for two years on the West Coast, and was honorably discharged as an Air Force First Lieutenant.After completing his patriotic obligation, he was accepted into Bethlehem Steel's Loop program for promising young engineers, where he quickly proved his excellent metallurgical abilities. While living in Allentown, PA, he met his true love, Theresa Gallo, a nurse anesthetist, and they married in 1959; his sixty-six-year marriage resulting in four children, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren brought him his greatest joy. In 1964, he was selected as part of a team of engineers to open the new Burns Harbor plant in Indiana, where he developed a specialty in plate mill steel processes. Jim was immensely proud of his forty-year Bethlehem career, where he was part of building America. While Jim never forgot his Pennsylvania origins, he loved Chesterton, the Midwest sensibility, and the natural beauty of Lake Michigan. He enjoyed landscaping and gardening, and his home in Wake Robin came alive every spring with myriad woodland Trilliums announcing the end of winter in spectacular fashion. As a devout Episcopalian, Jim was one of the founding members of Saint Francis Church in Chesterton, where he served as treasurer for forty years. Jim, along with his wife Theresa, quietly supported many local organizations over the years, including the Public Library, Meals on Wheels, and as poll volunteers during elections. Jim was a Chicago sports fan, an avid golfer, and devoted many years to the State Park Little League, where he led the umpires and eventually served as League president. He was predeceased by his parents and two of his brothers, John and Bob. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Theresa, and his four children: Nancy (Drew), Kathryn, David (Rhonda), and Paul (Tetyana); grandchildren: Katelyn (Bryan), Jessica (Anthony), Jacob, Jeremy, Mitchell, Jordan, Sara, Alex, and Nico; great-grandchildren Edy, Martin, and Bennett; two brothers, Tom (Marcia) and Richard, as well as many treasured nieces, nephews, and friends. His children are forever grateful to their mother, Theresa, who cared for her husband so bravely and selflessly at the end of his wonderful life. He will be so dearly missed. A visitation at Edmonds and Evans Funeral Home, 517 Broadway, Chesterton, IN, will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Francis Episcopal Church, 237 E. 1200 N., Chesterton, IN, on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 11:00 am preceded by a one-hour visitation and followed by interment at Chesterton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saint Francis Episcopal Church in Chesterton.Online Condolences may be made to the family at www.ee-fh.com.
Cemetery
Chesterton Cemetery
300 E. Porter Ave
Chesterton IN 46304
US
Visitation
Thursday, January 30, 2025
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home
517 Broadway
Chesterton IN 46304
US
Burial
Friday, January 31, 2025
12:15 PM -
Chesterton Cemetery
300 E. Porter Ave
Chesterton IN 46304
US
Funeral Home
Chesterton Chapel
517 Broadway
Chesterton IN - 46304
US
(219) 926-1330
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