NORTH VERNON
John Richard “Hamburger” James, 75, of North Vernon, passed away at 7:55 p.m. on Friday, December 16, 2022, at his home.
Born February 18, 1947, in Seymour, he was the son of the late Donald O. and Edna Ruth (Carson) James. He married Jeanne Pettit on February 19, 2019, at the Graham Baptist Church in Butlerville; she survives.
John was a 1965 graduate of Southwestern High School in Hanover and served in the U. S. Army Reserves for six years. He retired from Cummins Engine Company in December of 1996 after 31 years. John was a member of Graham Baptist Church since 1977 and served as Deacon for many years. He was a member of Dupont Masonic Lodge #419 in Dupont for 34 years and a member of Heartland Classic Cruisers in North Vernon. John enjoyed collecting toy tractors, classic cars, especially Volkswagen; and acquired numerous car show awards. He especially loved his evening drives in his workhorse with his dogs.
Surviving with his wife, Jeanne are his daughters, Belinda Heath and Jerianne Bateman, both of North Vernon, Elizabeth “Beth” (Jeff) Scholar of Columbus and Andrea (Kristin) Campfield of Lexington, Kentucky; brother, Ronald James of North Vernon; twelve grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; nieces, Cathi O’Mara and Deb Simpson, both of North Vernon; his best friends and partners in crime, Mike Huffman and Kevin Caudill, both of North Vernon.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Becky James and sister-in-law, Jeanette James.
A funeral service for John will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at the Graham Baptist Church in Butlerville with the Rev. Jerry Maynard and Rev. David Wallace officiating. Military rites will be given by members Matt Hester Post #2021, V.F.W. at the church. The visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Dove-Sharp &Rudicel Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North Vernon and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.
Memorials may be made in honor of John through the funeral home to Our Hospice of Jennings County or Graham Baptist Church
