James Richard Penman

James Richard Penman passed away peacefully in his residence at Marquette Manor, Indianapolis, Indiana on January 7, 2018. Mr. Penman was born in Brazil, Indiana to parents Ruth Nance and James C. Penman on April 2, 1925. He is preceded in death by his parents, his baby brother John, and his beloved wife Virginia.

James attended Episcopal High School in Washington, D.C. and graduated from Brazil High School in 1943.  A member of the “Greatest Generation” he honorably served his country in the US Navy during World War II and the US Marine Corps during the Korean War. He graduated from both Southwest Junior College in Macomb, Mississippi, where he played fullback on the football team, and Indiana State University.

In 1955, Mr. Penman married the love of his life, Mary Virginia Wade. They were married for 52 years.  Virginia passed away in 2007.

James had a rewarding 40 plus year career in petroleum marketing, sales and management primarily with Sun Oil Company, retiring in 1995. He was a Kentucky Colonel and a member of the American Legion and Elks Club for over 70 years.

Mr. Penman is survived by his three sons James (Kristi), Joseph (Jill), Edward (Nadine) and daughter Amy (Bradley Yarger), along with his six grandchildren Elizabeth, Wade, Lauren, Grant, Sarah and Olivia; 26 nieces and nephews; sister-in-law Joan (Aunt Poe) Baker; brother-in-law Judge Dale McLaughlin; and cousins Geraldine Mitchell and John, James and Robert Stafford.

Burial will be at Zionsville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 8604 Allisonville Rd, Ste 140, Indianapolis, IN 46250 or online at https://donations.diabetes.org/.  A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held this spring. Flanner Buchanan – Zionsville is in charge of arrangements.