James “Jim” A Diggle, II born April 28, 1934 to Rutherford G and Georgia {Hatfield} Diggle in Indianapolis, Indiana passed away at his Indianapolis home on September 11, 2019.

Jim’s passion for fun and adventure led him through varied career choices including bricklayer and marble and tile setter, a lineman for the Chicago Bears, bounty hunter, private investigator, skydiver, school counselor, gambler, and finally settling in sales, retiring from Culligan Soft Water in 1996.  Perhaps his greatest career choice was the U.S. Army, enlisting at 17 years of age.  Jim would go on to fight in the Korean War, becoming an 82^nd Airborne Ranger, earning his wings, serving with his unit beside The Queen’s Own Rifles, and becoming a Jump Master Instructor.

A socializer and people person, Mr. Diggle belonged to many organizations and clubs including a Life Member of the VFW Post 7119, frequent friend of VFW Post 261, an active Mason and Past Master of Mystic Circle Lodge.  He was in Sojourners’, Shiner’s, member of The Heroes of ’76, Degree of Honor member “Go For It Lodge 500”, and the American Indian Council.

Among the many adventures that was sprinkled through his life, perhaps his favorite was Skydiving. At the age of 83, Mr. Diggle made his 888^th jump, his last adventure and bucket list wish come true on Father’s Day 2017.

Jim loved American and World History, as well as Native American History.  He made volunteer presentations of Native American History and culture in elementary schools around Indianapolis. He also gave presentations in those schools on proper American flag etiquette and explained to students what that flag stands for and why it should be honored. Jim loved children, so much so, that he was a daily volunteer at Hutson School as a Guided Reader and a lunch room helper that the students referred to as “Mr. Jim” for many years.  He was also a mentor to several neighborhood teenage boys through the years, proudly watching his “charges” go off to college, the military, getting married, and becoming fathers themselves.

In 1977 Jim was adopted by John Crow Dog into the Sioux Nation, then was given instruction into becoming a Pipe Carrier.  He was given the Power of the Bear by a Kiowa Shaman.  Jim participated in the 1975 Longest Walk, a reenactment of the Cherokee Trail of Tears, walking across America to Washington D.C. fighting for Native American rights.

Jim enjoyed the simple things in life like camping, road trips, having lunch with friends, playing cards, telling jokes and swapping stories with old buddies.  Perhaps his greatest love of all was that of his family.

Mr. Diggle was preceded in death by his parents; sister Anita M Diggle; daughter Joy M Diggle; son John P Deer; grandson Alexander Miller; and granddaughter Kelly Miller.

Jim leaves behind his soul mate, love of his life, and wife of 45 years, Sharon L {Walker} Diggle and a much loved brother, George R (Judy Reiberg) Diggle.

He is also survived by his cherished children, Julia A (Melvin) Miller, James A (Camille) Diggle, III, Kimberly J (Andrew) Dove, and “adopted” son, Allen (Linda) Thompson.

Mr. Diggle was also the proud grandfather of five surviving grandchildren; Amber M {Riddle} (Hector) Ugalde, Shane T Riddle, Andrew (Melissa) Miller, Cheyenne S {Dove} (Joseph) Limpus, Jeorgia Diggle, and eight beautiful great grandchildren.  Along with his fur baby Ginger Blue, Jim is also survived by his many, many nieces, nephews, loving family members, and countless good friends.

Services will be held at Indiana Funeral Care located at 8151 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46250 on Saturday, September 21, 2019 with viewing from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and services beginning at 12:00 p.m.

Attendees are encouraged to join the Diggle Family at Murphy’s @ Flynn’s located at 5198 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46205 following services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society at 5635 West 96th Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, Indiana 46278 or the American Heart Association at 6500 Technology Center Drive, Suite 100, Indianapolis, Indiana 46278