67, of Indianapolis, IN, departed this life on September 8, 2015, in his home. James was born on September 6, 1948, to James H. Batton and Patricia A. (Marshall) Batton. He is preceded in death by his mother, father, and step-mother, Delma Batton. He is survived by his brothers: Tom Batton (wife Haley Batton, Sam Batton) and David Batton, sister, Nancy Goodwin (husband,Bill Goodwin, and children, Jamie and Jessica Goodwin), daughters: Joanna Bush (Rick Bush) and Heidi Pope (Aaron Pope), grandchildren: Jacob Bush, Alex Bush, and Grace Pope, as well as his uncle, William Marshall.

James spent most of his up bringing and graduated high school in White Plains, New York. He later joined the U.S. Air Force, where he was enlisted for 4 years. Afterwards he settled in Indianapolis where he established his family with Dwan Batton Leach. He worked in the computer electronics field and in later life the restaurant industry.

James was a one of a kind person, who had his own way of doing everything in his life. He never took short cuts with anything that had his stamp of approval on it. In short he was a perfectionist. He had a passion for gardening and always had a beautiful garden filled with herbs, vegetables, and flowers. He entered and won many contests with his extraordinary gardening skills. His other great passion was using his culinary skills for cooking great food, and was a superb chef. James greatly enjoyed a well prepared meal. Along with great taste in food, he had a great love for the arts. He enjoyed going to art shows and expressing his love for art through his own home.

James had a huge heart and wore it on his sleeve. He was truly a sentimentalist who was soft at heart. He would cry every time you gave him a card or gift, and saved every card we ever gave him. He loved his family very much and always said so, but never thought he could show it enough. His great big bear hugs and long talks will be greatly missed. He enjoyed spending time with his daughters and grandchildren who called him “Dadoo.” He loved gummy bears and always tried to have them around to give to the kids.

Dadoo, you will always live in our hearts. You were a wonderful father and a caring grandfather. You have touched our lives in so many ways and left us with a piece of you to hide forever in our hearts. You will be greatly missed.

A private ceremony will be held for family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Humane Society in your county, or choose to become a foster family to an animal in need.