James Bergdoll Jr.

James H. Bergdoll Jr., 77, passed away Dec. 9, 2023, after a short battle with cancer. 

Jim was born July 4, 1946, to James and Evelyn (Gilpin) Bergdoll in Portland, Indiana. As a young man he was active in his family farm and 4-H, and attended Boys State. After graduating from Dunkirk High School in 1964, he attended Purdue University and earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science. He remained a proud Purdue alumnus his entire life. After graduation he joined the U.S. Army, where he served as a specialist in the 406th Medical Lab in preventive medicine. He was stationed in Japan, where he met his future wife of 48 years, Mitsu (Okuhama) Bergdoll. 

After leaving the Army, Jim and Mitsu were married May 7, 1972, on the family farm, Beaver Hill, in rural Dunkirk, Indiana. Jim's professional career included working for Purdue University as a manager of their Swine Evaluation Center. In this role he earned several accolades, including caring for several duroc swine boar champions and caring for and testing the first national grand champion boar showing at the Ohio State Fair. 

Despite his success at the Swine Evaluation Center, the call of being the fifth-generation farmer on his family farm beckoned. James returned to Beaver Hill Farm in 1979 with his young family where he was still very much active in farming until his death. He was a 42-year member of the American Legion and was proud to be descended from one of the original settlers of Jay County, John Bergdoll.

As can be seen by his accomplishments above, James was demanding of himself and those around him to be the very best at what they did. Throughout his life, he continued to learn about his profession, passion and purpose — agriculture. James was also generous, loyal and willing to help his friends and family who will cherish his memory.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Mitsu.

He is survived by son Brant Bergdoll (Stacie) of Noblesville, Indiana; daughter Loree O. Everette (Mehran Aghazadeh) of Indianapolis; and three grandchildren, Owen Bergdoll, Claire Bergdoll and Dutch Greene. 

A service to celebrate James’ life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, at Wilson Shook Funeral Home, Dunkirk Memorial Chapel of Dunkirk, Indiana. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery of Redkey, Indiana. Family and friends may gather to share and remember from noon to service time Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the American Legion or the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research.