James A. Sheets

Jim Sheets, age 84 of Indianapolis, passed away in his home early Saturday morning, July 9, 2022, he had been in failing health the past several years. He was born September 13, 1938 in Decatur, Indiana to Harry and Leona Sheets.

Jim is survived by his wife of 62  years, Beverly (nee Chastain) Sheets; son, Eric Allen (Carol) Sheets; daughter, Erin Kae Sheets of Chicago; brother David R. Sheets of Ft. Wayne, IN; and nieces and nephews, Marc Sheets, of Indianapolis, IN, Jody Sheets, of Kansas City, MO, Kevin Sheets, of White Bear Lake, WI, and Jana Sheets Ledic, of White Fish Bay, WI. Preceded in death by brother, Stephen Sheets.

His early life was spent in Decatur, IN graduating from Decatur High School in 1956. He attended Ball State University and was a graduate of the Indiana College of Mortuary Science.

Jim began his funeral directing career at C. M. Sloan and Co. Funeral Home Ft. Wayne, IN.  Further he provided funeral service at Rogers/Myers Funeral Home/Eikenberry Funeral Home, Lafayette, IN.  In 1960 he became a funeral director for Macer’s Funeral Home in New Castle, IN  and assumed part ownership in Macers Funeral Home until late 1970 when he joined Dodge Chemical Company as a salesperson.  Jim found his niche in this aspect of his career due to his hard work and dedication to his customers in Illinois, northern and southern Indiana and eastern Iowa.  He served with the Dodge Chemical Company until retirement in 2011.  He traveled by car for his work, some years putting in 50,000 miles.

Jim was a member of the New Castle Jaycees and served as president for a term.  He was a member of the National Funeral Directors Assoc., the Indiana Funeral Directors Assoc., Illinois Funeral Directors Assoc., and the Iowa Funeral Directors Assoc.  Jim served a short term in the Indiana Air National Guard however, due to his occupation in the funeral business he was not able to keep up the schedule.

Jim enjoyed his career, family, love of cars and airplanes.  Enjoying travel to car shows and air shows with friends was always a treat.

Snowbirding in Naples, Florida was a happy event for Jim for several years of his life.  He learned to sail and was happy being out on the gulf with a sailing buddy. Jim loved sitting in the sun “watching the world go by” whether in the Naples condo or at his Boardwalk home on the lake.  Jim was blessed to have a loving family, good friends and long life.

Jim’s family will forever be grateful to his Caregiver Julie Garrett and her sister Cindy Benefiel for the loving care given to him for the last several years of his life. Julie was responsible for awakening Jim’s awareness of golf.  They spent many Tuesday afternoons at Top Golf.   His brother Dave kept in touch very often treating him to long telephone conversations when seeing each other in person was not possible.  Our thanks go out to our wonderful neighbors at Boardwalk who kept watch and helped Jim when needed.

Arrangements have been made though Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate and Flanner Buchanan-Washington Park East. Visitation to be held at Flanner Buchanan-Washington Park East, 4:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday July 14, 2022.  Funeral Service 11:00 AM Friday, July 15, 2022, with one hour visitation 10 -11 AM prior to funeral at Flanner Buchanan-Washington Park East Chapel. Interment to follow in Washington Park East Cemetery.

Memorials in lieu of flowers to Alzheimers Assoc. of Indiana, Wounded Warrior Project or Good News Mission of Indianapolis, Ind.  Visit us at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to sign the guest book or leave a condolence.