James (Jim) Marine Padula, age 85 of  La Porte, Indiana passed away on Monday, January 28, 2019. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years Virginia (nee Kardell) Padula. Loving father of Mary Anne (Robert) Meskis of Bourbonnais, IL, Cherished grandfather of Dylan Meskis, Sophie Meskis, and Elliot Meskis, also surviving are brothers William (Kathleen); and Nicholas, Jr. (Lynn). James was preceded in death by his parents Nicholas and Mary Padula and brother Richard Padula.

Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, February 7, 2019 at the Schroeder-Lauer Funeral Home, 3227 Ridge Road, Lansing, Illinois from 3:00 to 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 8, 2019 at 10:00 AM, directly at St. Ann Catholic Church, 3010 Ridge Road, Lansing, IL with Father Mark Kamela officiating. Jim will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery, Calumet City, Illinois.

Jim was employed at Pennsylvania Railroad, Interlake Steel, and Acme Steel throughout his career. He honorably served in the United States Army. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, he was loved by many and he will be truly missed. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Jim's name to Dravet Syndrome Foundation, P.O. Box 3026, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034, in honor of his grandson, Elliot.