James M. Kissinger, 88, of Lake Placid, died Thursday Jan. 31, 2013, at Florida Hospital Lake Placid.

A native of Indiana, he was born March 15, 1924, to Cynthia and James G. Kissinger of Culver. He joined the U.S. Army after high school and was stationed in England where he served during WWII. After his discharge Mr. Kissinger began a career at Inland Steel in East Chicago, Ind. where he worked as a crane operator and retired after 28 years due to work-related injuries. Mr. Kissinger and his wife came to Lake Placid 19 years ago from Valparaiso, Ind. He was a member of the Placid Lakes Baptist Church where he sang with the choir. He enjoyed gardening, traveling, camping, and especially loved his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mr. Kissinger is survived by his wife, Shirley Ann (Ehlers), whom he wed February 26, 1972, in Chesterton, Ind; children Dale Kissinger (Deborah) of Middleville, Mich., Gerald Kissinger (Sandy) of Stillman Valley, Ill., Randall Kissinger (Penny) of Middleville, Mich., Kathleen Weimer (Jack) of Gurnee, Ill., Gregory Miller (Angie) of Bonita Springs, Daniel Kissinger (Karen) of Wildwood, Ill., and Jeffery Miller (Bev) of Valparaiso, Ind; siblings Wilbur, Clifford, Dannie, Lloyd, and Karl Kissinger, Margie Underwood, and Janey Cernek; 22 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Evelyn Kissinger, whom he wed February 6, 1948, and son Matthew Miller.

Services were at 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4 at Placid Lakes Baptist Church with Pastor Jeff Taylor as celebrant. A memorial service will also be held at a later date in Indiana. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Placid Lakes Baptist Church Building Fund.

Memorial arrangements are under the devotion of Michael A. Brochetti Funeral Home, Lake Placid.