Surviving and cherishing Jim’s memory are his sisters, Retha (Earl) Matthews of Heath, Ohio, Beverly Board of Indianapolis, and Kathy (John) Vanderveen of Indianapolis, as well as two nephews, Garry Smith and Elie Matthews, and niece, Addie Matthews. He is also survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Cheryl Spalding.
Jim’s greatest source of joy and pride was his five children who survive and miss him dearly; Reanna (Nathan) Bechdolt of Greenwood, Heather Riggins of Bloomington, Jamie (Joey) Inskeep of New Palestine, Sarah (Brandon) Greenawalt of South Bend, and James (Lorelei) Narmore III of West Park, Florida. Papaw Jim’s love and pride multiplied over the past 17 years with the addition of his 11 grandchildren (Eston, Audrey, Evelyn, Samuel, Oliver, Faith, Elliott, Alice, Theo, Wyatt and Emmett).
Jim grew up on the southside of Indianapolis and graduated from Emmerich Manual High School in 1973. A talented football player, he briefly played for the minor football league team, the Indy Bears. He spent many years working as the glazing manager/supervisor for the family business, Circle City Glass, in downtown Indianapolis before pursuing his dream as a professional photographer. Jim started J. Narmore Photography after studying at Winona International School of Professional Photography and photographing the country western entertainment circuit for 5 years. This included the opportunity to shoot for Rolling Stone magazine, Music City News and the privilege of covering the Farm Aid show in the Hoosier Dome. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to expand with Jim’s Formal Wear and Once Upon a Bride before moving from New Palestine, Indiana to St. Petersburg, Florida.
His move allowed him to reconnect with his lifelong childhood best friend, John (and Pastor Mary) Haley of Redington Shores, Florida. John’s faithful friendship supported Jim in innumerable ways throughout his life. Jim was grateful for the ways his relationship with Jesus grew through Connect2Christ Church in Seminole, Florida.
Jim had just moved back to Greenwood, Indiana in October of 2022 in order to be closer to more of his family, who are so grateful for the new memories that were made in three short but sweet months before his health declined.
Jim loved live music (especially rockabilly), his old Harley Davidson named “Pearl,” Notre Dame football, telling jokes, combining LemonDrops and Hot Tamales (try it!), Great Pyrenees dogs, talking to strangers, the Florida Gulf Coast, Sharpies, praying with his children during any goodbye (even when just departing Frosty Boy), delighting in his grandchildren and glorifying “the Good Lord.” We can see him making people laugh, taking naps on picnic tables, swimming and singing the praises of those lucky enough to be called his children and grandchildren. He was steadfast in his love for us.
A celebration of life open house for Jim will be held on Saturday, January 14th from 3:00-7:00 pm at Church52, 8220 Brookville Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46239. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Riley Hospital, Empowering Indy, or Connect2Christ Church.
Online condolences at www.Bellmortuary.com
PAID OBITUARY
Katie was a charter member of St. Jude Catholic Church, a lifetime member of Girl Scouts of Central Indiana and a leader for over 20 years, and a member of the Young at Hearts at St. Jude.
She worked as an executive secretary for the Association of Indiana Counties for 25 years, retiring in 1999 at the age of 78.
Katie was an avid reader, enjoyed traveling, playing euchre with her card group, photography, writing stories, corresponding handwritten notes and letters by mail, working at the election polls, gardening, bird watching, genealogy and spending time with her fur babies.
She was a 1948 graduate of Sacred Heart Catholic High School and later served as Editor for the alumni newsletter for her graduating class.
G. H. Herrmann Madison Avenue Funeral Home handled arrangements.
KELSEY DARLENE ARMSTRONG, 31, parents, James and Maria Armstrong; siblings Megan, Gabrielle and James (Jessica) Jr., ; boyfriend, Colton Irwin; grandparents, Nancy and William Carter.
She loved spending time with her family and her dogs. She also enjoyed reading, especially Harry Potter, listening to music, playing trivia, watching the Indiana Pacers and IU.
G.H. Herrmann Madison Avenue Funeral Home handled arrangements.
EDWARD “EDDY” A. CARVER, 61, children, Meghan (Eric) Lawson and Nathan Carver; mother, Rita J. Carver; brother, Mark (Bobbi) Carver.
He was a member of Saints Francis and Clare Catholic Church and the Local UAW 933. Eddy proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years. He was Aviation Test Technician for Rolls Royce for 33 years retiring in 2019.
Eddy loved spending time with his family. He was a very talented artist and musician, playing several different instruments. He also enjoyed golfing.
G.H. Herrmann Madison Avenue Funeral Home handled arrangements.
ROSEMARY LYNNE WHITE COLLINS, 57, children, Ethan (Kaylea) and Olivia Collins; one grandson; siblings, Edward (Cathy), Kevin (Elizabeth) and Gene (Linda) White, Marjorie (Richard) Cottrell, Tina Burch.
She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church.
Rosemary enjoyed the beach, her brothers and sisters, crafts and of course, her grandson.
G.H. Herrmann Funeral Home at The Gardens of Olive Branch handled arrangements.
CHARLES VINCENT DIGIOVANNA, 83, widower of Martha; daughter, Tara Rose; brother, Augustine (Linda); godsons, Gaspar Russel, Gary Vincent.
He attended the University of Notre Dame, earning his Doctorate of Philosophy in Chemistry. Charles was an executive at the Reilly Chemical Company (now Vertellus Specialties), which he joined as a researcher in 1965.
He pursued several passions, civil aviation, woodworking, electronics and especially model trains. He was an avid reader and student of history, philosophy, and science. He served as a lay minister for the sick at St. Francis Hospital in Mooresville.
“He had a quick, analytical mind, but one that was always tempered with kindness and caring. He was eager to share his understanding of the world, and have others share theirs in turn. He would have wanted me to stress that through all his trials and successes, he did it his way.”
Visitation will be Wednesday, Jan. 11, from 5-8 p.m. at O’Riley Branson Funeral Service and Crematory, 6107 S. East Street. Mass of Christian burial will begin at 10 a.m., Thursday, January 12, in Our Lady of the Greenwood Catholic Church 335 S. Meridian Street, Greenwood.
GRANVILLE “GENE” ELLIOTT, 92, widower of Thelma Elliott; daughters, Dianna (Eric) Faulkner and Victoria Elliott; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.
As a high school student in West Baden, Gene was a three-sport varsity letterman, but found his passion on the basketball court, where he earned a scholarship to Purdue University. Before his first season at Purdue, Gene left basketball behind for the love of his life. He and Thelma married when he was 18 and she was just 17 years old, beginning their love story that would span 66-years.
Raised on hard work and a steadfast commitment to give his family everything he could, Gene devoted nearly 40 years at Indiana Gear Works (IGW) and another 10 years at J. Solotken & Company before he retired. Gene was a 50-year member of the Southport 270 Masonic Lodge and a more than 40-year member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis. After retirement, Gene volunteered weekly at Community South Hospital.
G.H. Herrmann Madison Avenue Funeral Home handled arrangements.
LESLIE LYNN GARR, 80, widow of Anthony Garr; children, Angie (Doug) Lemond, Nicole (Tom) Kelley, Heather (Mike) Irmer, David Garr; brothers, Jerrold (Barb) and Anthony (Sandy) Ludwig; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren.
She was a faithful parishioner of Good Shepherd Catholic Church, where she was active in their bible study group and St. Vincent DePaul Society. Leslie enjoyed the Indianapolis Colts, along with watching other sports, and wintering in Florida.
Visitation will be Thursday, January 12, 2023, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 2905 Carson Ave. Services entrusted to O’Riley Branson Funeral Service and Crematory.
NAOMI RUTH HARRIS, 102, husband, Shelby “Curt” Harris; children, Carolyn and Jason C. (Beth) Harris, Rebecca (Daniel) Nichols, sisters, Scarlett (Bill) Herron and Linda (Harold) Fulkerson; three grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren.
Naomi was a skilled homemaker and cleaned residential homes from 1969 until her retirement in 1998. Naomi loved reading and studying daily her KJV Bible, meteorology, gardening, crocheting and knitting. She was quite the seamstress and pie maker.
A tireless prayer warrior, she was well-known and loved for her many letters and cards she sent over the years to shut-ins, family and friends. She taught Sunday school for 20 years while an active member of Suburban Baptist Church since 1969, having attended the first service in 1961. She was the longest, oldest member.
G.H. Herrmann Funeral Home handled arrangements.
DANNY RAY KETCHEM, 76, wife, Susan Ketchem; sons, Timothy (Ashley) and Matt Ketchem (Jennifer); six grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; sisters, Lois Malone, Darlene Chamberlain, Sue Pickett.
Danny and Susan shared many wonderful vacations with family and friends.
He was a member of St. John Evangelist Catholic Church for years. He worked for many years at Laughner’s Cafeteria. He loved cooking and preparing meals for his family and friends. After retiring from the food industry, Danny began working at Baldwin and Lyons Insurance Company.
Indiana Funeral Care handled arrangements.
FLORENCE M. KREUTZER, 101, widow of Lester J. Kreutzer; daughter, Carol Glascock; four grandchildren; numerous great and great-great-grandchildren.
She was a member of St. Roch’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and the Jazzy 8 Euchre Club. She was very devoted in going to church and found great comfort in her church family.
She was a clerk at L.S. Ayres for 28 years retiring in 1984.
She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She also enjoyed traveling, especially the trips to Florida, going on cruises, playing cards, and reading.
G.H. Herrmann Madison Avenue Funeral Home handled arrangements.
FLORENCE CIECIERSKI KUKULA, 99, widow of Hubert “Cy” Hawks and Nickolas Kukula; children, Donald (Betty Jo), James and Robert Hawks, Patricia (Bobby) Hawks-Earley, Susan (Lee) Rouhselang; 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild, several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.
Ms. Kukula was a WAC with the U.S. Army during World War II, having served as a Medical Technician, caring for the wounded returning home.
Indiana Funeral Care, Greenwood Chapel handled arrangements.
ANTHONY R. “TONY” LAKER, 97, wife, Donna Laker; widower of Dorothy “Dottie” Laker; children, Barbara (Russell) Osborne, Russell “Rusty” (Vickie), Phil (Barb) and Anthony “Andy” (Dawn) Laker, Jennifer (Nicholas) Hillan; stepchildren, Kevin (Nancy) and Daryl (Erica) Copeland, Elaine (Leonard) Wall, Anita (Tony) Carver; 13 grandchildren; 23-great grandchildren.
Tony grew up in the Sacred Heart neighborhood where he attended Sacred Heart School for 12 years and was the captain of the basketball team. Tony heard the call to serve his country during WWII and joined the Navy from 1943-1946.
Tony was a union painter for Allison Transmission and General Motors. He was the former co-owner of Volrath Tavern in the Sacred Heart neighborhood. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus #3660. Tony enjoyed fishing, gardening, listening to Big Band music and Rosemary Clooney. His greatest joy was hanging out with his family and neighbors.
Visitation will be Friday, January 13, 2023 from 10-11:30 a.m. at O’Riley Branson Funeral Service and Crematory, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, with prayers at 11:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, January 13, 2023, at 12 p.m. at St. Barnabas Catholic Church, 8300 Rahke Road.
MINNIE “LOUISE” LOWE, 78, husband, Kenneth Lowe; children, Kenny Lowe, Kem (Jim) Kazmierzak; five grandchildren.
Louise was a designer with Bay Shore Builders. She had a good eye for decorating a room and pulling a design together. Louise enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas, Gatlinburg and especially the beaches in Florida making memories with family and friends. She loved her grandchildren more than anything and always made a point to make it to their sporting events. She had a great sense of style and always looked like she just walked out of a magazine.
A funeral service celebrating Louise’s life will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, 925 E. Hanna Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46227 with Father Sean Danda officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service from 12-1 p.m. on Wednesday.
CHARLES “BOB” ROBERT LOWES, 94, widower of Peggy Lowes; daughter-in-law, Teri; one granddaughter; four great-grandchildren.
He graduated from Franklin Township High School and went on to Purdue to earn an engineering degree. He worked at Allison for many years and was an aeronautical engineer. He also designed an engine for a 747. He married the love of his life, Peggy Rockey on December 24th, 1949.
He and his family enjoyed boating on the Ohio River, taking pictures, and playing euchre. He was a Mason and a deacon at Southminster Presbyterian Church. After he retired, he enjoyed volunteering for the God’s Bounty food pantry in Wanamaker. Bob was preceded in death by his sons Laurence and James.
Services are Wednesday, January 11 at 1 p.m. with visitation from 11 a.m. until time of service at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory-Franklin Township Chapel.
JUANITA MILLER, 88, widow of William C. Miller; daughter, Kathy (Ed) Hinton; foster son, Bruce Hardy; one grandson; one great-grandson; sister, Louella Guilkey.
Juanita was a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for almost 30 years before retiring. An avid quilter, she enjoyed gardening, puzzles and playing scrabble.
Juanita and William donated the land for the entrance to Independence Park and opened and closed the gates for 20 years.
G.H. Herrmann Greenwood Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.
JON PHILLIP MORRIS, 81, wife, Rebecca “Becky” Morris; children, Jeffrey (Kimberly) Morris, Melissa (David) McSorley; five grandchildren; sister, Alice Putz.
He was a schoolteacher for 22 years, before becoming Principal of Abraham Lincoln Elementary School in Perry Township, retiring in 2003. Jon enjoyed being with family, supporting his grandchildren, and traveling. When his children were young, summer vacations were spent driving around the country, eventually visiting 49 states and their capitals, all the border provinces of Canada, and a dip into Mexico.
After “retiring” he was twice elected to the Perry Township School Board. He also joined the faculty of Indiana Wesleyan University as a student teacher supervisor. He wrote, “Education Has Been My Life.” And it truly was.
Arrangements were entrusted to Community Funeral Care.
HOLLY ANN TAYLOR PARMER-LAMB, 66, children, Mathew and Vincent Parmer, Ariel Lamb; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild.
Holly was a 1974 graduate of New Palestine High School. She then, went on to obtain her Nursing Aid certification and worked as a Nursing Aid for many years. She also achieved the Dean’s List during her 2012 graduation from Bowling Green State University of Norwalk, Ohio. At Bowling Green, she achieved a Bachelor’s Degree, along with two Associate Degrees. She worked a multitude of various jobs, but during the last few years of her life she dedicated (and very much enjoyed) her time loading and unloading airplanes at the FedEx airport.
Holly radiated joy, kindness, and peace amongst all she met in the most unique of ways, a truly unforgettable woman.
Indiana Funeral Care handled arrangements.
JULIE ELLEN PORTER, 81, widow of Leonard Lee Porter; children, Leonard, Jr. and Kevin Porter, Amy Toney; six grandchildren; several great-grandchildren.
Julie enjoyed making floral arrangements and crafts. She worked for L.S. Ayres Beauty Salon and the Clip Joint.
G. H. Herrmann Funeral Home at The Gardens of Olive Branch handled arrangements.
LORRAINE SCHULTZ PORTER, 62, husband, Kevin J. Porter; siblings, Verna and Chance A. Schultz, Jr.
Lorraine worked for USA\811 for 18 1/2 years.
G. H. Herrmann Greenwood Funeral Home at The Gardens of Olive Branch was entrusted with arrangements.
BARBARA J. REYNOLDS “MAW”, 79, widow of James R. “Bub” Reynolds; daughters, Ellen Wilson and Brenda Heidelberger; siblings, Helen Hall, Mary Heldman, Bonnie Meier, Sharon Webber and Everett Parrish; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren.
Barbara was a member of Greenwood Christian Church and cherished her time of worship with Jesus. Barbara was employed for 20+ years by McDonald’s in Greenwood, and prior to that she served as a server for Steak n’ Shake for numerous years alongside her husband James “Bub” Reynolds. Barbara was an avid supporter of her grandchildren at the Little League Fields, their basketball and football games, dance recitals, and cheerleading competitions.
Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory, Greenwood Chapel handled arrangements.
MICHAEL A. “MIKE” RICHARDS, 62, wife, Tammy Richards; children, Christopher and Jennifer “Jenny” Richards (Tommy Hammel), Kristin Letterly; four grandchildren; siblings, Vicki Gabbard (Rick), Cherie Garland (John), Marsha Taylor (Gerald), and Kristi Buck (Mike).
Mike attended Perry Meridian High School. An extremely hard worker, Mike immediately began concrete work. He worked as a concrete finisher with CC&T Construction for 30 years. Mike loved his work.
When not working, Mike could be found grilling out or working in his yard enjoying an ice-cold Miller Lite. He was a busybody who kept busy, whether he was working on classic cars or maintaining his immaculate yard. With Q95 typically on the radio, Mike was known to listen to various types of rock n’ roll. Mike will be remembered as a man who had a zest for life. If you knew him, you always knew where you stood. He was incredibly honest. Mike was truly one-of-a-kind, and he will be greatly missed.
O’Riley- Branson Funeral Service & Crematory was entrusted with arrangements.
KERMIT SIZEMORE, 77, wife, Mary Sizemore; children, Rodney (Tamara) and Cynthia (Lisa) Sizemore; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; siblings, Chloe (Roger) Spencer, Dixie (Steve) Hinebeck, Joan (Aubrey) Powell, Evelyn Overbey, Kenneth (Jean) and Wayne (Alice) Sizemore.
Kermit owned several used car lots throughout his career. He was a race car driver from 1976 to 2000 at Kitley Speedrome, where he was known as Zero Hero.
He loved spending time with his family, racing, going to the casino, traveling to the islands and diving. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to anybody and everybody.
G.H. Herrmann Madison Avenue Funeral Home handled arrangements.
JOSEPH ARTHUR STOUTNER, 83, wife, Sharon Stoutner; children, Joseph and Brian Stoutner, Cindy Brown (James) Simpson, SuAnne (Jamey) Smith; brothers, Omar, John and Jay Stoutner; seven grandchildren; several step-grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
Joe was employed in management and sales for over forty years at Fontaine Truck Equipment. He also worked for Bushog-Kraus Truck Equipment in management.
He was a member of Greenwood Masonic Lodge #514 F & A.M., the Indianapolis Valley of the Scottish Rite, the Murat Shrine, where he served as member of the Reception Unit, Flying Fezzes, Kowad Al Sabikin, Antique Power Club, Shelby County Shrine Club, VCM, Hillbillies Unit, Sportsman raffle, and the High Rollers.
Visitation will be 2-4 p.m., Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Wilson St.Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory, Greenwood Chapel, 481 W. Main Street, Greenwood.
JEANIE C. STRUEBE, 80, widow of Myron Struebe; daughters, Rebecca Troxell and Anna Brydges (Jim); 11 grandchildren.
She served in several different positions professionally but retired as a unit secretary for St. Francis Hospital. Jeanie was the “heartbeat” of the family, and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren.
Singleton and St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory attended to final arrangements.
DAVID MATTHEW TAPSCOTT, 29, mother, Janie Yoon; grandparents, Emily Brewer, John C. Brewer, Frank and Dora Tapscott.
He attended Perry Meridian High School and worked as a machinist at Advantis Medical for several years. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, playing basketball, baseball, long walks on the canal, vacations to Mexico and Hawaii, and going to MCL.
David was a fine upstanding person known for his integrity and honesty, and helped in the care of his grandmother, Emily. He was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be Saturday, January 14, 2023 from 11 a.m. till time of service at 1 p.m. at G. H. Herrmann Madison Avenue Funeral Home, 5141 Madison Avenue, Indianapolis, IN.
DR. STEPHEN J. TENTLER, 66, wife, Danielle Tentler; children, Beth (Deb Gould) and Kristen Tentler (Justin Gald), Lindsay Winningham (Josh); stepson, Travis Bernard (Morgan Thomas); two grandchildren; siblings, David and Gary Tentler, Mary Carl.
Stephen was a proud graduate of Xavier University where he earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees. He was a podiatrist at the Greenwood Foot Clinic for the past 34 years. Stephen was an avid golfer, loved crossword puzzles, sweets, and his family!
Final arrangements were entrusted to Shirley Brothers Thompson Road Chapel.
MICHAEL C. “MIKE” TYLER, 60, children, Melissa and Michael Tyler, Jr., Kelly (Larr) Scrougham, Teresa Kriete, Chris Hatfield; siblings, Mark Parsley, Kevin and Lisa Tyler, Darla Parsley-Brown, Charla Parsley-Buntain; eight grandchildren; life-long best friend, Teddy Wallace.
Mike was self-employed as a contractor for all of his life. Mike was a member of the Shepherd Community Church of the Nazarene and was also an ordained minister. He was a well-rounded man who loved Jesus, his dogs, his truck and helping anybody in need. He was known to everyone as Uncle Mike and will be remembered as a loving man who would help anybody at any time.
Mike is preceded in death by the love of his life, Diana Adams.
Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions was entrusted with arrangements.
ANNE WELSH, 97, daughter, Jane Anne Welsh.
After high school she worked for a bank and helped two of the bank officers start a loan department. She then worked for attorneys and traced people from home after she had her first child.
Anne enjoyed reading, sewing, cooking, traveling through the state of Indiana, movies, plants, wind-up clocks and particularly difficult crossword puzzles.
Arrangements were entrusted to G. H. Herrmann Madison Avenue funeral home.
WANDA M. “MAXINE” WOLFORD, 99, widow of Harold J. “Jack” Wolford Sr.; children, Harold J. “Jack” Jr. (Maggie) and Wanda “Jeannie” Wolford; two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild.
She was a graduate of Beech Grove High School. Prior to marriage she worked at Real Silk in Indianapolis. In her later years she worked at the Perry Township School board.
She attended University Heights Christian Church and was the treasurer of the bible study group. She enjoyed tending to her raspberry, tomato and rose bushes and reading her Bible every day, doing word searches and crossword puzzles. She was an avid fan of TV shows Mash and Gun Smoke and enjoyed watching football and basketball games. In her younger years she took daily walks and exercised at Elaine Powers Exercise Salon.
G.H. Herrmann Madison Avenue Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.