James Dell Lemon, 85 of Valparaiso, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. He was born on June 1, 1940 in Chillicothe, Missouri, the son of the late Blon Dell and Alma (Walker) Lemon. Jim made his career as a hydraulic engineer with Neff Engineering, working from 1967 until his retirement in 2020. His love of basketball earned him a scholarship to Rolla Missouri School of Mines, and he enjoyed playing for many years. Jim also found enjoyment in golfing, woodworking, fixing things, sailing, dancing and friendships from coffee groups and the potluck group. Most of all he loved spending time with his family, who will miss him greatly.
On April 21, 1962, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Fontelle Walz, who preceded him in death in 2022. He is survived by his children, Lance (Kim) Lemon and Whitney (Brent) Winkel; grandchildren, Kathryn Dell (Andrew) Warriner, and Treston James and Fontelle “Elle” Katherine Winkel; and his sister, Linda (Wendell) Harris.
A Visitation will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Moeller Funeral Home 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a Funeral Service beginning at 1:00 PM and burial to follow at Angelcrest Cemetery, Valparaiso. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
GUESTBOOK
Jim was my mentor at the beginning of my career at Neff Engineering. Jim and Fontelle welcomed me and my young family to Valparaiso and made us feel at home. He was quietly but incredibly passionate about all things he loved especially his family. He will be missed but is reunited with his love Fontelle. -Dan Neffk
Jim was the epitome of a sales engineer. He never asked us what he could sell us. It was always how can I help you. Help us he did. We were just beginning to introduce hydraulic power to our product line and had limited in-house expertise. Jim drew up hydraulic schematics and specifications for power units that his company supplied until we developed the engineering and manufacturing expertise to build our own. This was facilitated by our hiring Michael Cinkoski, one of his proteges. When the history of Laidig Systems is written, Jim should have a chapter dedicated to his contribution. He even came to the funeral of our founder, Jon Laidig. After several of us retired, Alan Amick organized a monthly lunch on the second Wednesday of the month at Wings Etc. in South Bend. Jim traveled from Valparaiso for almost all of them as recently January 14th. A Job Well Done! Rest in Peace Jim. -Tom Lindenman
Jim, Thank you for always having time when I needed something. You will be greatly missed by your family. -Dennis Gillies
Bob and I will miss you dearly. You and Connell were such great friends to me after losing my husband. -Patsy Warren
To The Lemon Family: My deepest condolences in the passing of Jim. I had the privilege of knowing both him and Fontelle for they were my patients in the 1980’s. Loved seeing them for the both were a joy! May you always remember the good times that you had with him and cherish those memories close to your hearts. Thoughts and prayers to find comfort and peace! Sincerely, -Jeannene Schumacher
