James Erlandson, 84

James Bruce Erlandson, age 84, of White Pigeon, passed away Thursday, March 18, 2021, at his home, surrounded by his family, after a several-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.
He was born Aug. 31, 1936, in Clendenin, W.Va., a son of Ivan and Helen (James) Erlandson.
He graduated from Bristol High School, in Bristol, Ind., in 1954. He had a lifetime love of muscle cars and for many years raced dragsters. He spent his career working in the RV industry, retiring in 2001 from Coachmen Industries in Middlebury.
He met the love of his life, Shirley Erlandson, in the summer of 1956 while cruising the streets of Goshen. They were married on July 12, 1958, in White Pigeon.
He was a member of Mottville Township Zoning Board of Appeals, Elkhart Moose Lodge and White Pigeon Lions Club. He enjoyed woodworking, NASCAR, yearly mushroom-hunting trips to northern Michigan, traveling and spending time with his family, especially his granddaughters.
Surviving are his wife, Shirley; two daughters, Carrie Erlandson (Roger Schmidt) of Portage, and Candice (Christopher) Phelps of White Pigeon; two granddaughters, Jordan (Todd Vanwelsanaers) Phelps of Sterling Heights and Riley Phelps of White Pigeon; step-grandchildren Erica (Brad) Rosenberg of Geneva, Ill., and Ryan (Viviana) Schmidt of Portage; step-great-grandchildren Jaxson Rosenberg and Reid Schmidt; a brother, Ivan Erlandson; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Arvida Price.
The family would like to extend its heartfelt appreciation to Melissa, Chris, Elara Caring and Elara Caring Hospice.
Relatives and friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Farrand Funeral Home in White Pigeon. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at White Pigeon Township Cemetery, with the Rev. James Blanchard officiating. Masks will be required and COVID-19 restrictions apply.
Memorial donations may be directed to White Pigeon Community Schools women’s athletics. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.