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.
