James E. Sommers
July 26, 1938 ~ January 21, 2024
James E. “Jim” Sommers, 85, of Whiteland, passed away on January 21, 2024. He was born on July 26, 1938, in Indianapolis to William and Leona Murphy Sommers.
Jim attended Holy Trinity Catholic Grade School and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1956. He served his country in the U.S. Navy. He was a member of the Slovenian National Home in Haughville. He was also a member of KSKJ, where he played and coached basketball for several years.
Jim married Brigid Sheehan on November 2, 1968 in Speedway. Brigid preceded him in death on September 30, 1996.
Jim was a member of IBEW Local Union 481, where he worked as an electrician, a project manager for electrical contractors, and served on the benefits board for several years.
After Brigid’s death, Jim decided to become a business owner and bought the Southport Dairy Queen, which he owned for several years.
Jim enjoyed all sports, especially IU Basketball. He enjoyed golfing and participated in several leagues. Dancing was also one of his favorite activities. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s school and sports activities. His travels were at the top of his list. He will be remembered for his kindness, volunteering, and giving to others.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Brigid Sheehan Sommers, sisters Roseann Jaffke, Dolores Glaze, Carolyn Sommers, brothers William (Bob) Sommers and Paul (Dick) Sommers. He is survived by his loving family, Catherine (Alan) Wycoff, Mark Sommers, John (Julie) Sommers, companion Lucy Jakad, sisters Mary Schrader Gephart, Helen Kieffer, Theresa (Gerty) Mathis, brother Raymond Sommers, 6 grandchildren, 1 step grandchild, 2 great grandchildren with another to be born in February, several nieces and nephews, and bonus son, Carlos “Charlie” Sanchez Llibre Perez of Barcelona, Spain.
Jim’s Life Celebration® visitation will be Thursday, January 25, 2024, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at O’Riley – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227. Morning prayers will be said on Friday, January 26, 2024, at 9:30 at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 AM at St. Jude Catholic Church, 5353 McFarland Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227. The burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.
The family would like to thank Franciscan Health Care, Aspen Trace, Lifespan, and Accent Care Hospice for their care and kindness shown to Jim in his final months.
Memorials in Jim’s name may be made to Parkinson Foundation, https://www.parkinson.org.
Please visit www.OrileyBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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What a kind generous man he was. He was the father in law I never had! Thanks for all you did for us!
You will be missed greatly Uncle Jim
I’ll always remember Jim from the times bowling with the KSKJ league. He had a smile on and always spoke to me and joked around. He was one of those people that it was just fun to be around and he will be missed by all!
Rest In Peace Jim
I will always remember Jimmy! My sympathies to his loved ones! His huge friendly and happy personality will be a big loss. Rest in Peace! I bet they have bowling alleys, ice cream shops and lots of dance floors in heaven! Rest in Peace!
I only got to see him two times but the smiles those two times I will always remember.. my deepest condolences to all of the family and may he rest in peace
Jim, friend for 75 years. Nothing but good memories.
Kim and Buddy Lyons has purchased Sympathy Garden for James Sommers
Dan Poore has purchased Purple Majesty for James Sommers
TECH Electronics of Indiana has purchased Sympathy Garden for James Sommers
Miller-Eads Co., Inc. has purchased Ocean Essence Spray for James Sommers
Jim and Brigid lived down the street from us. His son John and my son Dan married sisters. Our kids remain close to his kids. Jim was a great friend. Our condolences to his family. Rest In Peace Jim
Jim Mescall has purchased Sympathy Garden for James Sommers
Hello Cathy. Jim was one of my favorite people I had the pleasure of knowing. I worked,played golf and drank a few with him. Definitely one of the good guys. God bless you and your family.
Kevin Norton
Hello Cathy. Jim was one of my favorite people I had the pleasure of knowing. I worked,played golf and drank a few with him. Definitely one of the good guys. God bless you and your family.
Kevin Norton
Your dad was my project manager at Barth Electric. I enjoyed working for him
So very sorry for your loss
Dear Kathy, Mark and John,
John and I send our condolences to you in this time of grief.
He was a great neighbor and so fun to be around.
We certainly have great memories of your father!
Love to you all.
Wow, where do you start on such a great man
I felt fortunate to work under him as an apprentice and later JW
I always enjoyed playing golf and tipping a few with him in that casual setting
He will be dearly missed as one of 481’s finest
What a great friend Jim was. He made going to work FUN. He and I spent some fun times together going to I U Football and Basketball games plus auto races and skiing in Wisconsin. He was fun to be around and will be missed by all.
So sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed seeing Uncle Jim. He was such a kind and funny man. Thoughts are with your family.