Jimmy Joe Hillegas

Jimmy Joe Hillegas, age 60, of Ossian, IN, passed away on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, IN. Jimmy was born on June 18, 1963, in Huntington, IN, to  James “Jim” and Phyllis (Sparks) Hillegas.  Jim preceded him in death and Phyllis survives and resides in Roanoke, IN.

Jimmy married the love of his life, Tonya France, on March 8, 2003, and they recently celebrated 20 years of marriage.

Jimmy was a 1981 graduate of Huntington North High School. He worked at Peyton’s Northern for almost 24 years until he became ill.  For those who knew Jimmy they know he was a huge race fan. He loved his sprints, midgets, silver crown and Indy Cars. He was also a huge Cincinnati Bengals, Cincinnati Reds and IU football fan.

Along with his wife, Tonya; and his mother, Phyllis; he is survived by one brother, Jerry Hillegas, Roanoke, IN; mother and father-in-law, Temes and Sandra France; sister and brother-in-law, Heidi and Dave Okonski; one niece, Ashley (Billy) Devore; one nephew, Kevin Okonski; great nephews, Gavin Okonski, Oliver Devore; and great nieces, Vera Devore, Izzy Okonski and Cora Devore, whom Jimmy loved all dearly.

Along with his father, Jim, he was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents and his precious dog, KoKo.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral Service beginning at 2:00 p.m. at McElhaney Funeral Home – Roanoke Chapel, 240 Crestwood Drive, Roanoke, IN, 46783, with Wally Morris officiating.

The family has asked that since Jimmy was a huge race fan to please come wearing a race shirt or come in casual wear.

A Graveside Burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery, Roanoke, IN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Diabetes Association or to the National Kidney Foundation in care of McElhaney Funeral Home – Roanoke Chapel, 240 Crestwood Drive, Roanoke, IN, 46783.

McElhaney Funeral Home – Roanoke Chapel, 240 Crestwood Drive, Roanoke, IN, is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences:  www.mcelhaneyhartfuneralhome.com

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