Jimmie (Jim) Lee Pullman

Jimmie (Jim) Lee Pullman, 89, passed away peacefully on Jan. 5, 2022. He was born July 16, 1932 in Terre Haute, Indiana to Margaret Irene Lore (20) and James Pulliam (35). He grew up in Clinton, Indiana with his mother and sister Breena (Peggy) and later his Step-Father Gale Ewing. He lost his mother on cold December night at the age of 14. He was then later raised by his sister and aunt, Ruth Case.

He later moved to Indianapolis around 1947-48 to live with his sister Peggy and finish high school at Arsenal Tech. After school he needed to work to further earn money to help out at home. Peggy helped him get a position at Sears and Roebuck. However, he had to lie about his age to get the job as he was too young. Once he graduated high school, he worked his way up as a stock clerk and doing whatever job he could muster at Sears.

Jim married Carolyn Klonaris in 1953 and had a son George Pullman in 1959. Their marriage did not last and was very rocky and they divorce soon after.

Jim had joined the National Guard. At the time, the country was positioning for war with Korea and the draft was still in place. He was drafted into the Army in Nov. 1953. He served in Korea and was also stationed in Japan for a period of time. He served in the 34th Infantry earning a National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and Korean Service Ribbon. He had many stories of his days in the service. He earned the rank of Platoon Sergeant against his better judgement in 1954.

Upon returning from his military service his job at Sears was waiting for him. He moved into to the repair shop and landed in furniture repair. This is where he learned the skill that he continued to utilize for many years. After divorcing Carolyn, he struggled financially, and he was challenged in seeing his son George and being in his life. These were some of his darkest days and in your darkest days you find the light. He met Ruth Ann. She also worked at Sears in the office area. He, liked her, but initially he was emotionally spent and was going to introduce her to Lester, his brother-in-law’s brother. But, something sparked and as he put it.. “decided to keep her for himself.” Ruth Ann came with a pre-made family of two boys; Jeffery and Michael. Ruth Ann had been taking it tough with relationships as well making them a perfect fit to find happiness. They married on July 3rd 1965.

Together Jim and Ruth Ann had a daughter Anna Margaret in March 1966 and soon after Jim further solidified the family by adopting Jeffery and Michael making it whole. They settled to raising their family in Whitestown, Indiana. They bought a modest house on 5 acres. The family cultured this property making it home.

Jim and Ruth Ann partnered in the operation of a laundry mat and dry cleaners in Zionsville, Indiana with Jim’s brother-in-law Howard and sister Peggy. They continued operate Zionsville Kwik Kleen, raise their family and be part of this community till 1980. They sold the cleaners and home and moved to the westside of Indianapolis. There they continued a partnership with his sister and brother-in-law purchasing another dry cleaners, Chapel Hill Dry Cleaners. They continued to own and operate the business till 1994 selling it and retiring after Jim lost Ruth Ann in June 1993.

Jim and Ruth Ann had moved to Poland, Indiana in 1990 to be near the water to enjoy fishing and boating heading into retirement. Jim made the best of this after losing Ruth Ann. He eventually was able to move forward and found a new spark with Mary Perry. He and Mary were married in 2001. They enjoyed many of the same things especially playing games and cards. Mary was later taken by Alzheimer’s and Jim suffered another loss of a wife in 2011.

Jim was never at the lack of a good story or joke, his mind and memory was amazing remembering such small details. He was an avid card player winning a Euchre Tournament just recently on New Years Eve just before his passing.

He loved to play, Poker, Up and Down the River, Hearts, but Euchre mostly. There were several nights and weekends the family would gather and play cards. In his later years, sharing this hobby with his friends he gained at Westside Garden Plaza, NeighborCare (previously Crestwood Village) and as of recent Southside Senior Living.

He also loved photography. While in service he saved his money to buy a good camera. Unfortunately, many of the pictures taken during his time there were lost/stolen. But was the family picture taker, which kept him out of many of the family pictures. He would take nature walks and small trips and take pictures of the scenery along the way.

During his last years, we were distanced by a pandemic keeping him apart from typical family gatherings. However, he did get to enjoy a large family gathering for his 89th birthday celebrated at Eagle Creek. He so enjoyed having his family together. He had a relationship with each and every person and love/treated everyone equally.
Jim enjoyed his family and friends. He walked tall with a gentle heart. His laughter and soft heart will be missed by his family and friends

Besides his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wife Ruth Ann (Bibb) Pullman, his son Jeffery Allen Pullman, his sister Breena (Peggy) Bedell, brother-in-law William Howard Bedell, and his wife Mary Perry.

Jim has left behind a legacy in his family as he is survived by

Children: Michael D. Pullman and George L. Pullman and Anna (David) Pullman-Rainbolt;

Grandchildren: Stephen Pullman, Britney (Ryan Bond) Earwood, Travis Pullman, Nic Pullman, Anthony (Jake) Scott, Garret Tyler Shaw, Matthew Jacob Shaw, Stephanie Rainbolt and Kayla Rainbolt

Great-grandchildren: Dustin Pullman, Isabelle Rae Pullman, Riley Earwood, Jack Earwood, Sadie Bond, Emme Bond, Natalie Bond, Emitt Smith, Carter Abbets, Emma Scott and Annabelle Scott

Extended family: Daughter-in-law Lori Pullman, Nephews Greg Bedell and Jess Bedell; Nieces Cindy Hicks, Melissa Jude, Tina Pulliam, Debbie Farmer; Sister-in-law Sharon Jude and brother-in-law Richard Bibb. As well as many cousins as well as step-children with the Perry Family.

His visitation will be at the Flanner Buchanan Funeral Center at 2706 Kessler Blvd., Indianapolis, IN on date – time-time and services from time -time. Any donations may be made in Jim’s memory in honor I of Valerie Lynn Bibb to the Indiana School for the Blind.

I believe he was the best man that walked the planet. The best part of that of him is if I told him that, he would not believe me. Not because he knew of better men, but because he wasn’t worthy of that title.