James "Jim" Bledsoe, 79, of Fort Wayne, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at his home.  He was born on March 15, 1946, in Terre Haute, Indiana, to Kenneth and Muriel (Puckett) Bledsoe.

Jim enjoyed woodworking, hunting trips with friends, and collecting family history. He cultivated Japanese gardens and knew the story of every maple in his "forest."  He was known for his loyalty and lasting friendships.

He is survived by his daughters Meredith Bledsoe, Erin (Michael) Quinlan, and Angela (Doug) Rechtine; granddaughters Riley Quinlan and Ava Rechtine; sister Martha Ann Barnett; niece Sherri (Dan) Howard; and nephew Tom (Lori) Barnett. He was preceded in death by his parents, his former spouse Wennette "Wendy" Sullivan Bledsoe, and brother-in-law Tom Barnett.

A private family service will be held at a later date at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Terre Haute.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hope's Rescue and Recovery Angels https://hopesrescueangels.org/ in Allen, Texas – the trapper who rescued the Polar Bears, Nina and Tugg, an adventure he enjoyed following and sharing.