James Fred Marshall

James Fred (“Jim”) Marshall, December 7, 1932—November 22, 2021

“I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7

Gentle giant Jim Marshall passed from this world in glory on November 22, 2021, meeting his Heavenly Father, his spirited parents (Ray and Margaret Marshall), and a legion of beloved hunting dogs who have eagerly awaited his homecoming. In life, he shone like the sun, casting light in all circumstances and proclaiming, “Today is the best day of my life, and tomorrow will be even better.” Those who knew Jim had no doubt his positivity was pure and genuine, stemming from an abiding love of God and all people.

Unfailingly proud to be an American, Jim exemplified the American Dream. He believed in hard work and humility, drawing on both values as he progressed from milkman to manager of Indiana’s most successful State Farm Insurance team. In State Farm Jim found a second family and the opportunity to take his own family around the world. Along the way, Jim never forgot the importance of being a servant, leader, and mentor, encouraging innumerable colleagues to be better than they ever dared. Successful businessmen and women today credit his “Monday Morning Meetings” among their greatest influences.

But no business achievement ever topped Jim’s list of joys. That spot was taken forever when he met his lifelong love, Shirley Jean Newnum, at Indianapolis’s Washington High School. Shirley was Jim’s best treasure for nearly three-quarters of a century. The two said their vows on August 31, 1952, and were each other’s fervent champions from that day forward. Together they raised three wonderful children, coached and taught others’ children, served the United Methodist Church, and chased adventure from sea to shining sea. Above all, they laughed. The Marshalls’ was a home where all belonged and where gatherings lasted long past “one more song” or “one more game of cards.”

Jim was a man who recognized the marvelous in the mundane, approaching each day with an attitude of gratitude. He gave thanks for all things bright and beautiful as he walked trails, fished on serene and choppy waters, quietly birdwatched, cared for animals, and tended his flowers and vegetable garden. He relished cheering for his Indianapolis Colts and once welcomed a lonely new Colts player to his home for the holidays. In later years, his gift to family of an Alaskan cruise left indelible memories of nature’s majesty and Jim’s wise counsel. No moment was too small to escape Jim’s notice and celebration—and no person he met was denied grace. Simply put, Jim walked the walk. In him everyone saw with great clarity the love of God.

The impact of Jim’s life cannot be understated. No one can replace him, but many will strive each day to follow his example. Proud to carry out his legacy along with Shirley are daughters Joni (Bob Mercer) and Nancy (Mark Englert); son Pete (Melanie); grandchildren Kate Mercer-Lawson (Cody Lawson), Megan Mercer, Jessica Englert (Seth Dearmin), Stephen Englert (Ali), and Elizabeth Englert Healy (Patrick Healy); and great-grandchildren Xander and Vivienne McCooe. Twin great-grandchildren will follow in 2022—one lovingly named James.

Jim was laid to rest on Friday, November 26, in a private graveside ceremony, and will be celebrated on a larger scale on a date to be determined in 2022. The family welcomes those who knew Jim to share memories at flannerbuchanan.com. Those who wish to donate in Jim’s honor should consider Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church (https://umcmission.org/give-to-umcor/), where their gift will benefit the less fortunate for whom Jim prayed. May all who encountered Jim remember him with a broad smile.