James Albert Gayler age 93, formerly of Waynetown, died unexpectedly, at 5:50 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, 2017 in his son's home near Darlington, where he had been living the past 3 years. Jim was born in Warren County, Indiana son of the late Thomas Collins and Sophia Harper Gayler. He married Minnie F. Pearson Gayler in Veedersburg, May 16, 1953, she preceded him in death December 2, 2009.

Jim attended Rob Roy School and served in the US Army during WWII in the 652nd.
Tank Destroyer Battalion. He attained the rank of Sgt. at the time of his honorable discharge. He was employed in Wingate by the Montgomery County Farm Bureau Coop, where he operated the feed mill and handled grain operations in the grain elevator. He was a member of the American Legion and formerly belonged to the Wingate Methodist Church.

Jim enjoyed dancing, IU basketball, the New York Yankees, woodworking and playing cards, as well as attending his grandchildren's school events. He was accomplished in in pitching 'horseshoes'. He participated in many local, state and national contests always ranking in the top. He was known for the many croquet sets he hand-crafted for family and friends as well as canes. He was proud to have help construct four homes for his sons and grandson Luke. He was an extremely talented craftsman and could do anything.

Surviving are: two sons; Larry D. Gayler of Terre Haute and Gregory S. (Penny) Gayler of Crawfordsville, a grandson who he raised in his home, Luke (Heather) Gayler of Crawfordsville. Grandchildren: Brandie (Dan) Smith of Lyons OH, Brooke (Tim) Heibel of Whitehouse, OH, Brandon (Connie) Gayler of New Market, James (Angel) Gayler of Terre Haute and Lana Gayler Gordon of Pawtucket, RI. He was preceded in death by his wife Minnie, his parents, and siblings, Robert, Charles, Chet, William, Rex, Dona Gayler Kochell and Dorothy Gayler Aynes.

Graveside services with Military Honors by Crawfordsville American Legion/VFW and US Army Honor Team, with Pastor Duane Mycroft officiating at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, April 2, 2017 in Greenlawn Cemetery, Wingate, IN. Visit us online at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to leave a condolence or share a memory. Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, the family prefer memorials may best be directed to St. Elizabeth Hospice, Lafayette.