James Fleming

Mr. James W. Fleming, 75, of La Porte, Indiana, died Friday July 2, 2010 at La Porte Hospital in La Porte, IN. He was born August 16, 1934 in Lorraine, New York, the son of James M. Fleming and Leta Ruth Randall Fleming. He moved west to Indiana following a brief stint at Syracuse University. He arrived in La Porte in 1953 with a suitcase and $35 in his pocket. Within 8 years, Jim founded Aero Metals Inc., an investment casting business, in his basement at the young age of 27. This start-up operation evolved into a multimillion-dollar business with over 300 employees. Aero Metals provides components for a variety of industries including aerospace, defense, construction equipment and hardware, recreation, agriculture and firearms. Like many success stories, Fleming?s tale started with humble beginnings. While working at Austenal Microcast today known as Howmet Corp., Jim also worked part-time toying around on projects with other companies. One of his first big projects was the design of the equipment used to produce Jiffy Pop Popcorn. This design was accepted and built for Mennen Food Products, Corp. He also worked with MIT professors and top surgeons to design innovative medical equipment used in hip replacements. Jim was a brilliant engineer, designing and building leading-edge equipment. There were no bounds to his inventiveness. His engineering successes kept Aero Metals at the forefront of investment casting technology for years. Much of Jim's success stems from a sincere desire to develop rapport with all of his employees. Jim was committed to the education and capabilities of his employees. He inspired and sponsored many employees? efforts to obtain GED certificates, trade school educations and college degrees. In 1989, Jim was elected to the La Porte Hospital Board of Directors serving two three-year terms. During his tenure as a member of the Board, he served on the Finance Committee, the Medical Staff Development Committee, the Executive Committee, the Joint Conference Committee, the Strategic Planning Committee, the Employee Relations Committee, the Community Service/Charitable Role Committee, and as Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Board. He became a member of the La Porte Hospital Foundation and was Chairman of the With the Community at Heart campaign. Aviation was a big part of Jim?s life. For the past 35 years, he was an active member of the La Porte Municipal Airport?s Board of Directors. He attained a commercial pilot?s license and participated in several businesses at the airport. In 1991, Jim was named the Northwest Indiana Small Business Person of the Year Award recognizing entrepreneurial excellence. In 1992, he was named the Small Business Person of the Year for the entire state of Indiana. Later that year, he traveled to the White House to be awarded the 2nd Runner-Up Small Business Person of the Year for the United States. During that trip, he met President George H.W. Bush. Jim devoted valuable time and money to various community and educational projects and served on the executive committees of numerous civic boards. About his community service, Jim once said: "People ask me to do things, and I don't like to say no." He was a great storyteller and public speaker and was often asked to speak to a wide variety of audiences across the region. His participation and awards include the following: Lifetime Achievement Award - State of Indiana Industrialist of the Year Award recognizing Outstanding Leadership - 1992 American Foundryman?s Society - Chapter President Society of Manufacturing Engineers Member of Leadership of La Porte County Sagamore of the Wabash - State Award Grand Marshall of the La Porte 4th of July Parade 1st National Band - Board of Directors Board of Director of the Indiana Manufacturers Association Member of the La Porte Chamber of Commerce President of the La Porte Manufactures Association - 1988-1989 La Porte Rotary Club President?s Award - 1977 La Porte Rotary Club President - 1980-1981 Rotary Club Award-1991 La Porte Hospital Board of Directors - 1993-1995 Member of the La Porte Hospital Foundation since 1992 La Porte Regional Health System Council of Chairs since 1998 La Porte Municipal Airport Board of Directors - 1976 to present Commercial Instrument Flight Instructor On August 25, 1978, in La Porte, he married Pamela who survives. He is also survived by his 2 daughters - Pat Dean Graham of La Porte, IN, Linda Stowell of La Porte, IN; 3 sons - David Stowell of Chicago, IL, Robert Debbie Stowell of La Porte, IN, Jim ToniLynn Fleming of Fairmont, MN; and 7 Grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Fay Fleming. Arrangements are being handled by Haverstock Funeral Home, 602 Maple Ave., La Porte, Ind. where the family will receive friends Wednesday, July 7, 2010 2:00 - 4:00 and 6:00 - 8:00 pm. and Thursday July 8 from 10:00 AM until time of the service at the church. Services will be held, Thursday July 8 at 11:00 am at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Evan Lash officiating. Cremation will follow the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the La Porte Hospital Foundation P.O. Box 250, La Porte, IN. 46350; First United Methodist Church, 1225 Michigan Ave., La Porte, IN. 46350, or to a charity of the donor's choice. 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