James D Sleeth
Born: Sun., Jul. 19, 1942
Died: Sat., Mar. 12, 2016
Visitation
4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Tue., Mar. 15, 2016
Location: Murphy-Parks Funeral Home
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Wed., Mar. 16, 2016
Location: Crossroads Community Church
Funeral Service
11:00 AM Wed., Mar. 16, 2016
Location: Crossroads Community Church
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James D. Sleeth, 73, of Shelbyville passed away Saturday, March 12, 2016 at home, surrounded by his family.
He was born July 19, 1942, the son of James O. and Mary Jane (Ivie) Sleeth of Shelbyville who preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Edna Marie (Eddie Ree) of Shelbyville, daughters Veronica Brown (husband Steve) of York County, Virginia, Joyce Witt (husband Dave) of Naples, Fl and son James A. Sleeth (wife Beth Ann) of New Palestine, and grandchildren Megan Brown, Austin Witt, Ava Sleeth, Evan Sleeth and Ethan Sleeth.
Jim graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1960, served in the United States Air Force and was employed by Naval Avionics, Indianapolis where he helped develop patriot missiles which were later used in the Gulf War. He also owned and operated numerous businesses including Jim's Pool Room, Jim's Shortstop, Jim's Dugout, Blue River Park, The SportsLocker Room and Ritter's Frozen Custard.
He lived in Shelbyville his entire life with the exception of the time he served his country and was heavily involved in the community including the Shelby County Jaycees, President of the Shelby County Babe Ruth President, and President of the Shelbyville High School Booster Club. He also served on the Shelbyville City Council, Parks and Recreation Board, City Planning Commission and was most recently the County Chair for the Shelby County Democratic Party.
He was honored with the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce John A. Harnett Sr. Business Person of the Year Award, inducted into the Southern Indiana Babe Ruth Hall of Fame and also admitted to the Jaycees International Senate.
He loved his work, his family and was an avid Los Angeles Dodgers fan having traveled to "Dodgertown" in Vero Beach, Florida numerous times for spring training camp. He also loved country music, his beloved dog "Mickerdoodle" and was a devoted "papaw" to his grandchildren.
Calling hours will be Tuesday, March 15, 2016 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.at Murphy- Parks Funeral Services, 703 S. Harrison Street, Shelbyville, and Wednesday, March 16, 2016 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Crossroad Commuinty Church, 475 Progress Parkway. Funeral services will follow at the church at 11 a.m. with Reverend Andy Lee officiating. Military rites will be conducted by local veterans organizations.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shelby County Babe Ruth, Major Hospital Foundation, Shelby County Cancer Society, and Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.
Funeral Directors Greg, Sheila and Stuart Parks are honored to conduct the services for Mr. Sleeth.
Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.
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Click the button to generate a printable document containing all condolences submitted
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Condolence Booklet
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Teresa and Randy Tungate
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Posted Mon March 14, 2016
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Randy and I were very sorry to learn that Jim has passed.
Jim was always professional and courteous; his caring attitude
and personality made it a pleasure to call him a friend.
Our sincere sympathy to his family for their loss.
Randy and Teresa Tungate
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Rebecca Moore Lyles
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Posted Mon March 14, 2016
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I first met Jim in first grade at Major School, where the teacher scolded him for eating paste. We were always getting scolded for something ...
He was a cheerful, fun-loving guy and a terrific Shelbyville High School booster. So sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed.
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Al Smith
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Posted Mon March 14, 2016
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I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was a wonderful person. I enjoyed knowing him over the years. He was always so very thoughtful and kind whenever we would run into eachother. He would always call me Big Al whenever he saw me. He will be missed a great deal as a friend and as a community citizen of Shelbyville.
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Sandy (Ratliff) Phillips
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Posted Mon March 14, 2016
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Edie and Family,
So sorry for your great loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sandy Phillips and
Goldie Hungerford.
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Dixie Linville Baranko
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Posted Mon March 14, 2016
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Jim was a part of my life throughout high school and even before. He was always a gentleman and his passing is a loss for his family, friends, and the entire community. May God grant him eternal rest.
Dixie
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NANCY NEEB
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Posted Mon March 14, 2016
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Our thoughts and Prayers go out to the family of Jim.
God Bless,
Pete and Nancy Neeb
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Ted Wells
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Posted Mon March 14, 2016
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Eddie, I am heartbroken about Jim's passing. I cannot come home to see you and pay my respects to the one Jimmy Dale, but a long-distance embrace is for you. Jimmy and I spoke just a few weeks ago while he was at work, and as always, expressing that bubbly attitude he seemed to exude. Every one Jim met have memories they can cherish, but for me I hold a special place in my friends list for him.
I'll cherish the memories, and pray you can work through the loss with the support of your family.
Please feel the widespread celebration from those whom knew Jim. Through the tears, I smile.
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Gary Moore
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Posted Tue March 15, 2016
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I was greatly surprised by the death of Jim and I am deeply saddened by the news of his passing.
It was an honor to have known such a good person and I will truly miss him.
I was proud to be his classmate and friend.
My sincere condolences,
Gary Moore
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Sally Nicholson
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Posted Tue March 15, 2016
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I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Jim. I never knew anyone with more love and caring for his community, and beyond that, he worked so hard to make our city a better place for all of us. I'll won't forget working with him during the Zerr administration and how helpful and supportive he was in my role with the City. I'll never forget you, Jim Sleeth! Rest well. My sympathy to you, Eddie, and to your family.
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Nathan Johnson
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Posted Tue March 15, 2016
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Mrs. Sleeth, Jim, Beth, Ava, Ethan, and Evan:
Your husband, your father, your father-in-law, and your grandfather will be deeply missed. I only knew Big Jim for a short time, but I came to admire his passion and immense love for all of you, his family. He had a way of always making the people around him feel better about themselves. I will miss our talks about baseball and politics.
I pray that all of you find peace and strength by leaning on God and each other during this difficult time. Remember, when we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in Heaven that watches over us. May you take comfort in knowing that you have an angel to watch over you now.
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Susan Scott Jagielko
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Posted Tue March 15, 2016
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I hold Jim in my memories. His friendly smile was a gift and a tribute. Peace to his family.
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Vicki McGrew-Noakes
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Posted Tue March 15, 2016
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Aunt Eddie, Ronnie, Joyce and Jimmy
I am so sorry for the loss of Uncle Jim. Be blessed in the knowledge of his love for you all and that he is now no longer suffering and in the arms of our loving Father. He will still be looking out for you as your personal guardian angel.
Your loving niece and cousin
Vicki Lynne
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Tina Ivie richardson
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Posted Tue March 15, 2016
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Rip Jimmie I will miss your smiling face at Walmart, you are no longer in pain now your with our family you grew your wings fly high coz Tina
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Phil and connie Shuppert
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Posted Tue March 15, 2016
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We are so sorry to hear the passing of Jim. He was a wonderful husband and father to his wife and children. He will be truly missed by everyone who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
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Doug Payne
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Posted Tue March 15, 2016
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Eddie, sorry to hear about Jimmy ,we had alot of good times back in the days,hate to see great people have health problems , I seen so much of this the 24 years at the station. God Bless, Lori & Doug
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Bill & Ruth Anne Hopkins
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Posted Wed March 16, 2016
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Sorry to hear this. I have known Jim since we were kids. We grew up on the same alley off of Vine Street.
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Jed Pence and Family
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Posted Wed March 16, 2016
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Jim,
I'm sorry for the loss of your dad. It's been many years since I've seen your dad. He always had a smile and kind words when I would see him. As difficult as this is for you and your family, the memories are what brings a smile. His unique voice, well what I thought was unique always brought a smile to my face. Godbless your Dad and your entire family
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Loita Hession
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Posted Sat March 19, 2016
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Dear Sleeth Family,
I am so sorry. Thinking of you.
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Bill & Connie Klepper
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Posted Sun March 20, 2016
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So sorry for your loss. Connie and I enjoyed Jim. He was a friend and great Democrat. He will be truly be missed.
Bill & Connie Klepper
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Rita Sandman Ryan
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Posted Sun March 20, 2016
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Just can't believe Jim is no longer with us. When we were in school he always cared so much for everyone in our class. Later he seemed to embrace the entire Shelbyville community. Our class reunions were a reflection of his hard work as he first organized us all and then made us laugh so much as he reminisced about all our antics. His outgoing personality simply radiated his warmth. Jim was such a generous and caring person. I wish I were there to give the family a hug. Take care.
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