James Everett

Mr. James William Everett, 89, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 13, 2021 with his family at his bedside. James William was born October 5, 1932 in Louisville, Kentucky to Cassie Everett and John Johnson. He was affectionately called J.W. by his Louisville family and friends. As a youth, his summers were spent in Glasgow, Kentucky, which is in close proximity to Mammoth Cave. James and his cousins spent hours exploring the natural wonders of the longest cave system in the world. James attended Central High School and was a member of the Class of 1950 1/2 and 1951. They held a three day reunion every two years for over sixty five years of which James was an active participant. He often traveled to Chicago, Illinois to assist his aunt Betty Lightsy who operated the Crest Modeling and Charm School. On June 25, 1951, James joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Osaka, Japan. He was trained to perform aircraft maintenance and operate heavy duty equipment. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, U N Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. James was discharged on September 25, 1955 from Parks AFB in Dublin, California. After his military career he returned to Louisville, Kentucky and was hired by the International Harvester Company. In 1956, James relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana. He joined Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Toliver. James worked many years for the Indiana University Medical Center. In 1964, James was employed by Ford Motor Company. He worked in various departments until his retirement in 1993. However, he continued to meet for the monthly retiree's luncheon to enjoy the camaraderie of his many friends. He was a member of the United Auto Workers union for over fifty seven years. In 1995, James was united in holy matrimony to Marilyn Byrd. They enjoyed traveling, shopping, attending music festivals, and entertaining their family and friends. Known for the love of his family, James took great pride in his children and their many accomplishments. Attending weddings, graduations, birthday parties, and sporting events. James and a group of his friends planned yearly charter boat fishing trips to Lake Erie and Lake Michigan. Being on the lakes was the perfect mix of excitement and relaxation. Sometimes the reward was returning home with a limited catch and a severe head cold. He remained active with his weekly doctor visits, daily lottery picks, and hourly phone conversations. James was always the first to step up to the plate with his willingness to help. He never met a stranger. James loved everyone. James is survived by his wife, Marilyn Everett; sons, Randy (Teresa) Everett and James Martell Everett; daughters, Tracy (Billy) Irons, Janice (Joe) Lewis, Debra Majors; grandchildren, Randy (Chasity) Everett, DeHaven Everett, Sasha Everett, Brenda McElwain, Vanessa Bible, Hope Lewis, Kim Owens, Liz Hayes, Leslie Hayes, Lisa Brown; great grandchildren, Randy and Ricki Everett; sister, Sudellia Byrd; aunts, Gloria Gant and Delores Johnson Williams, and many more loved ones. James is preceded in death by his parents, grandson, Joe Lewis, Jr; sister, Lilian Johnson King; and brothers; Louis Johnson and John Haamid, parents-in-love, Tom and Mindola Byrd. .