James F. Sears, March 10, 1921 – September 6, 2019

James F. (Jim) Sears, a member of the Greatest Generation, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2019.  Jim was born on March 10, 1921 to Earl and Ella (Parrish) Sears in Greencastle, Indiana.  He was the 7 ^th of 8 children born to his parents.

Jim attended Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis where he was an outstanding student and athlete, and most importantly, where he met his high school sweetheart Rachel Bland, who he later married.

Jim earned a Rector Scholarship and attended DePauw University, earning a degree in Economics.  He graduated in 1943, and immediately entered the Army Air Corp.   On June 1, 1943, he married Rachel while in Air Corp training.

After WWII, Jim returned to Indianapolis and worked in business.  His first child Craig was born in 1949, and shortly after that he was recalled into the US Air Force for the Korean War where he flew bomber planes but was not deployed overseas.

After the military service, he once again returned to Indianapolis to start his own fuel oil business which became Sears Oil Company.  In 1956 his second child Elizabeth was born.

He grew the oil business into a busy operation, which included a number of his family members.   Jim sold the business in 1976, and immediately went into the hardware business where he worked until he retired.

His retirement lasted only a few months before he felt the need to return to work.   His last employment was with Cardinal Health, where he finally retired at age 92!  Jim was a founding member of New Hope Christian Church in Whitestown.  He was also a long time member of the Lions Club, and was extensively involved with Pike Little League, serving as president of the organization.

Of utmost importance to Jim was his family.  He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle to many nieces and nephews.  He never missed a school event, whether sporting or music, and was always there to help in any way that he could.  He is lovingly known as Pappaw to his grandchildren and Big Pappaw to his great-grandchildren.  Jim was preceded in death by his wife and all siblings.  He is survived by his children Craig Sears (Sue) and Beth Sears Cook (Greg), his grandchildren Jonathan Sears, Julie Sears Garnett, Stephanie Sears, Benjamin Cook, Kimberly Cook, and Bailey Cook, his great-grandchildren Charlie Sears, Eloise Garnett and Audrey Garnett, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.  All will dearly miss his generous spirit and loving support.

Memorial services will be at 11am Saturday September 14 at the New Hope Christian Church, 5780 S. Main St., Whitestown, IN 46075.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the New Hope Christian Church.