James DuWayne Kragerud

90, of Brownsburg, IN, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025.

James was born on August 6, 1935 to Allen and Agnes (Engleson) Kragerud in Wilkin County, Minnesota. He graduated from Rothsay High School in 1953. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1954-1957. He received technical training in Aircraft Control and Warning and spent one year overseas at an AC&W site in Korea.

Upon discharge, his military training led him to move to Indiana and begin a career as an air traffic controller at the Air Route Traffic Control Center at then Indianapolis Weir Cook Airport in 1958. He retired in 1986; he returned part-time and retired again in 1990.

James met the love of his life, Carol, in May 1961 while working a 6-month detail at an AC&W site in Antigo, Wisconsin. They were married on December 16, 1961 and would have celebrated their 64th anniversary this year. James and Carol were founding members of the Messiah Lutheran Church in Brownsburg in 1964.

James was an active member of the Brownsburg American Legion Post 331 for 60 years. He served as Commander from 1997-1999. He was also a long time member of the 40 & 8 Voiture 1690. He felt a deep honor to carry the American Flag as the Legion Color Guard marched in community parades and performed at patriotic ceremonies.

He enjoyed golf and bowling and participated in Legion leagues for many years. He loved spectating auto racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He attended 51 consecutive Indy 500 Races; the inaugural NASCAR Brickyard 400 plus a dozen more; and the first U.S. Grand Prix Formula One race at Indianapolis. A favorite pastime was working jigsaw puzzles and word searches.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Carol, just 48 days prior; his parents; siblings Nevida (DeVaughn) Anderson, Orlyn (Jackie) Kragerud, Janice (Donald) Grouws, and Mary (Chuck) Rice.

He is survived by daughters Tammora (Bret) McNeil and Kari (Tom) Mueller; siblings Nettie (Orland) Stephenson and Bob (Randee) Kragerud; grandchildren Brian (Holly) McNeil and Brad (Becca) McNeil; great-grandchildren Helen, Nehemiah and Bray; seven nephews and six nieces.

The family wishes to thank Tina Spears Sinclair for her love and care for James and the nurses and aides of 300 Hall at Brownsburg Meadows Long Term Care.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 30th, from 1:00pm to 2:00pm at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg, with funeral services at 2:00pm. Burial with military honors to follow at Brownsburg Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Post 331 or Phi Beta Psi Sorority National Project Cancer Research.