Ronald J. James, 63, of Franklin, Indiana passed away Monday, December 22, 2014 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 22, 1951 in Brazil, Indiana to Bernard and Martha J. (Gainey) James. He married Jean A. (Keller) James on March 29, 1991 in Rockville, Indiana; she survives. He was a 1969 graduate of Rockville High School in Rockville, Indiana and attended Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana. He was an auto appraiser for Farm Bureau Insurance for 38 years serving 26 years in Parke County, Indiana and 12 years in Evansville, Indiana. He had also been a IHSAA basketball referee for 40 years and a IHSAA football referee for 35 years had been part of one state championship game. He also had been part of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway serving as commander for pits and garage security for 40 years. He was a member of the Old-timers club of the Indianapolis 500. He also was a member of the Indianapolis Officials Association, Wabash Valley Officials Association, Southern Officials Association and Knightville Masonic Lodge in Clay County, Indiana.
Survivors include his wife Jean A. (Keller) James of Franklin; his mother Martha J. (Gainey) James of Brazil, Indiana; two sons, Mark J. Jones (Kelli) of Franklin and Bradley D. Jones (Missy) of Franklin; five grandchildren, Devin Jones (Courtney) of Franklin, Brice Jones (Saffron) of Indianapolis, Indiana, Logan Jones (Anthony) of Franklin, Trey Jones and Tyler Jones, both of Franklin; and one great-grandchild, Landon Jones. He was preceded in death by his father.
Reverend Larry McAdams will conduct a memorial service on Saturday, December 27, 2014 at 2:30 P.M. at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 S. Morton Street (US 31) in Franklin where the family will receive friends from 12 Noon until the time of service on Saturday at the mortuary. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, 5635 W, 96th Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, Indiana 46278. Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.swartzmortuary.com. Information: 317-738-0202.