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.