James W. Black, 76, passed away Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 9:30 am, at Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, from health complications related to dementia.

His mother, Francis, father, Harry, his only sibling, Don, his cherished life partner of 30 plus years, Jenny, and  beloved dog, Tally, have all passed.
Surviving is his only daughter, Vicky, in Florida.

James was a God-fearing man, was active in the Church community and always had  unwavering faith that everything would work out for the best.  He became an ordained minister, which was one of his happiest achievements in his life.
The most exciting part of deity service was to receive his license to join two people in holy matrimony/ marriage.

His mission in this life was to be of service, no matter how big or small.

Jim always tried to help others in need, and he would always try to see the good in people. He always supported the underdog; if someone was down and out he would give them money, clothes, find work for them or simply, lift their spirit by telling a funny story or by telling one of his corny jokes.
He never met a stranger he didn’t like.

He graduated from barber college, and helped out at the VA in the barbershop, and in local nursing homes, helping the residents stay well-groomed.

He loved his city of Indianapolis, born and raised. Broad Ripple High School is where he attended, setting new record highs in many sports tournaments.

As an adult, he later became an athletic coach.  Then James’ new nickname was
“THE COACH” and it stuck for the rest of his life.

As a youth James and his father were both big sports fans, Together they would go to what was then Market Square Area weekly for years, sitting ringside officiating WWF wrestling matches as the bell ringer, rubbing elbows with such legends as Dick the Bruiser and Andre the Giant, with his 10 year daughter in tow.

Father and son became ambassadors for the community, starting events in the neighborhood, like homemade box car races for the children, and coaching little league baseball at local community centers.
He was an umpire for Brebeuf adult baseball league for many years.
A frequent guest and a honored ambassador for many opening baseball  batting ceremonies, being honored with his own personalized trading card with his picture on it.

The Indianapolis Indians were his favorite baseball team and a huge Indianapolis Colts fan, supporter, and season pass holder.
As an avid sportsman /teacher and coach of baseball and wrestling and Phys ED, he never met a sport that he didn’t like.

Jim enlisted into the Air Force, and was an athletic trainer for the Armed Forces while serving his country. He was so proud to be an American; it brought him so much joy to be of service.
He was a body builder and Personal trainer, winning many titles in the health and fitness industry in the Corp.

Jim later got into local politics trying to maneuver the slippery slope of becoming a political figure.  He loved politics, but later found out, that to be real and authentic as a political figure in the political arena was no easy task.

As a young man Jim always had a fondness for variety of animals such as horses, snakes, bats, birds, fighting roosters, chickens, ducks and countless puppies and kittens.  Jim loved animals, and would rescue as many as he could afford to.
He was a big supporter of the Humane Society, volunteering his time.
Jim loved to be one with nature, tending to his plants and flowers and tending to the earth.  He never met a plant or animal he didn’t like.

In his retirement years he became a driving instructor, teaching young drivers to learn the rules of the road with a strong emphasis on being a good defensive driver.

James worked for the school board as substitute teacher for the public school system and for the Indianapolis School for the Deaf.

Jim and his partner Jenny loved to travel. St Pete, Florida, was one of their favorite sunny designations. Jim was a sun worshiper; having the sun on his face lifted his spirits.

Jim had a philosophy that he would tell Vicky his daughter, if someone was being mean spirited, which has stuck with Vicky to this day. “If some one irritates you, be like a duck. Let it roll of your back as water does to a duck.”

Good advice from a wise old soul, Dad/ coach you will missed dearly!!!

Arrangements by Indiana Funeral Care.