James E. Comerford
November 19, 1949–December 31, 2023
When others were fleeing for safety, our dad rushed in to get to work. It was a reality that defined his career as a fireman for 25 years, as the architect of Miami County’s 911 service, and as an emergency management director. More than that, his unselfish commitment to service defined his life and who he was to his family. In a world where heroes are so often famous sports figures who deliver in prime time or musicians who fill concert venues around the world, we were blessed to have our hero much closer to home.
James Edward Comerford married our mom, Louise Aves Kramer, on December 14, 1968. A year later, Pamela Jean Comerford was born. This smart, kind, hardworking young man immediately dedicated himself to serving his family. In the years soon thereafter, Jim and Louise welcomed two more kids – Nathan James Comerford and Kathryn Louise Comerford into their world. By 1977, Jim had joined the Peru Fire Department. Over the course of the next 25 years, he dedicated himself to serving the community, mentoring fellow firemen, rushing with a hose over his shoulder into burning structures, holding lives in his hands as an EMT, and all the while attending ballet recitals and rallying neighborhood wiffle ball games as a dad.
This Bible verse reminds us of our dad – “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
Jim Comerford also served his community as an electrician, city electrical inspector, Indiana State Fire Inspectors Association treasurer, voting machine technician, youth soccer coach, and in many other roles. He was a talented woodworker, gardener, and recently a model train engineer. More than anything, he was the constant companion to his wife Louise and their collective proudest contribution: three kids and nine grandchildren.
And you can be sure that our dad, in true fireman form, was never more than a call away, ready to rush in whenever anyone needed anything. He will be greatly missed.
James Comerford was preceded in death by J. Paul Comerford (father) and Jean Comerford (mother). He is survived by Joseph Comerford (brother), Linda Comerford (sister), his wife Louise Comerford, daughter Pam Wilson, son Nathan Comerford (wife Jennifer), daughter Kate Todd (husband Gordon) as well as his amazing grandkids: Kyle (wife Karly), Camille, Finn, Chase, Colton, Aline, Hamish, Annemarie, and Crispin.
A private service was held.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.
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