James "Mike' Morarity

James Michael Morarity, 83, of Fishers, Indiana, passed away on February 15, 2025. He was born on February 11, 1942, in Bedford, Indiana, to parents, Francis and Margaret (Henderson) Morarity. 

Mike loved to tell (and re-tell) stories of his childhood years in Mitchell, Indiana. He would be sure you knew this was the home of astronaut Gus Grissom and also home of the annual Persimmon Festival and Spring Mill State Park. 

Throughout his life, Mike and his wife, Janet, returned frequently to Mitchell, Indiana and to Spring Mill State Park and Inn with many hours spent hiking on the wooded trails, walking in the park village and relaxing at the Inn with family and friends, creating wonderful memories. 

Mike rarely missed attending the Persimmon Festival in his lifetime. As a child, Mike remembers going “uptown” with his dad to watch the carnival trucks arrive and set up the rides and then watching them leave at the end of the week. 

Mike was a 1960 Mitchell High School graduate and attended Purdue University. 

Mike’s lifelong work ethic started at a very young age with his Indianapolis Star paper route, He loved sales (possibly because it gave him an opportunity to talk with people), one of his favorite passions. He was proud of the fact that his route grew so large he had to recruit helpers to “pass” the papers. Mike acquired his beloved “English” bike as a youngster by selling boxes of greeting cards. He also sold Filter Queen vacuum cleaners during college to supplement his income. 

 As an adult, Mike found his passion as a manager, then district manager at Burger Chef which then became Hardees. He opened the first fast food chain restaurant in Robinson, Illinois and was the recipient of numerous honors and awards for his marketing and sales during his career. Mike loved sponsoring and coordinating with community leaders and organizations such as Little League concession stands, Chamber of Commerce Community Easter Egg Hunts, church activities, etc. 

Mike was very proud of the special young ladies his grandaughters have become, since he provided their childcare 2 days a week while they were infants and toddlers (which required him to master a new set of skills). 

Mike loved to travel, especially with his children and grandchildren. His many trips included visits to Europe, California, Yellowstone, the Black Hills and many other national parks, Quebec City Canada, Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Martha’s Vineyard, New Orleans, and annual trips to the eastern Pennsylvania area to visit his beloved in-laws and take day trips in the Pocono Mountains, Bucks County etc. 

As a lifelong LA Dodgers fan, Mike was especially thrilled to attend a game at Dodger Stadium on his trip to California. 

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Janet Morarity; son, Todd (Kari) Morarity, Fishers, IN, and daughter, Laura Morarity, Westfield, IN; granddaughters, Josie and Sydney Morarity; sister, Elizabeth Anne Gratzer; brother, Richard (Barb) Morarity; several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; Margaret and Francis Morarity and brother-in-law, Charles Gratzer. 

Visitation for Mike will be from 1-2pm on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Epworth United Methodist Church - 6450 Allisonville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46220, with a funeral service immediately following at 2pm. Burial will take place at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens. 

Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Epworth United Methodist Church. 

For more information and an online guestbook, please visit www.flannerbuchanan.com