James "Jimmy" A. James

James (Jimmy) A. James of Carmel, Indiana passed away on February 28th. in the company of his wife of 61 years, Muffi (nee Murphy), and his two children Jenifer and J.J. A successful business and family man, Jimmy embodied the American entrepreneurial spirt. Born on October 20, 1935 to Angel and Katina James, who immigrated from Greece and settled in Indianapolis. The youngest of three children, his sisters, Dorothy and Alice, were thrilled to welcome a baby brother into the family.

At age 18, Jimmy enlisted in the US Air Force where he proudly served his country, before attending Butler University’s School of Pharmacy, where he met his future wife, Muffi Murphy. During their courtship, Jimmy enjoyed time spent with the Murphy family on Kessler Boulevard, often mowing the grass while flirting with Muffi, and enjoying a good Hoosier meal with the family. He often remarked how blessed he was to marry his “best friend”. Muffi worked as a teacher while Jimmy focused on his studies. Early on, he left Pharmacy behind to embark together with Muffi to raise a family and build his American Dream.

Jimmy’s first success came as the owner of the Lamplighter Inn, a fine dining restaurant and night club at 38th and Emerson. Jazz filled the Falstaff room, performed by the likes of Dave Baker, Jerry Jordan, Lanny Hartley and music composer and bass player John Strickland. It was the place to be, great food, lots of laughs and a metropolitan aura in which the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Peter Nero and The Rolling Stones would visit.

In 1971 Jimmy left the restaurant business and opened his first 21st Amendment liquor store. Over 50 years Jimmy grew the business to 20 stores with 130 employees. While growing the 21st Amendment, Jimmy pursued many other business ventures, including construction, real estate development, printing, and shoe manufacturing. Jimmy’s work did not stop during the pandemic, he moved his office to the dining room table where he continued to expand the business. Jimmy was a member of the Wine and Spirits Guild of America and was named National Retailor of the Year by Market Watch. He also received the Sagamore of Wabash from both Governor Evan Bayh and Mitch Daniels.

As Chairman of the Civic Theater Board, Jimmy transformed the Radisson Hotel in Indianapolis into the 21 Club of New York City for a fundraiser. No detail was overlooked, from the table linens and mustards to the famous chicken hash.

Jimmy was an avid golfer and shared his love of the game with his wife and children. He was a member of Crooked Stick, La Romana in the Dominican Republic and Pine Valley in New Jersey.

Nothing brought Jimmy more joy in life than his family. They were his reason for being. The family home at Casa De Campo in the Dominican Republic provided Jimmy with ample opportunity to enjoy time with his ever growing family. Everyone was welcome and Jimmy and Muffi were always generous and gracious hosts. Jimmy and Muffi’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren- all 30 of them- joined together for Thanksgiving each year. The kids put on the traditional pageant and all joined in singing God Bless America, a very special blessing for the James Family.

Jimmy is survived by his wife Muffi, daughter Jenifer Foxworthy and son James A James Jr (JJ), daughters in law Candace James and Fabiana James. Grandchildren Gallagher and James Foxworthy, Samantha and Libby James, Theo and Julia James, as well as grandchildren and great grandchildren brought into their lives through Jenifer’s marriage to Randy Foxworthy(deceased). Brooke and Bryan Foxworthy, their children Ashton, Tyler and Max. Ryan Foxworthy, his children Layla, Henley and Carter and Katie and Jason Glassley, their children Jackson, Emma Tillie and Simon. Sisters, Dorothy Kanaris and Alice Leonard along with many nieces and nephews.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his beloved son Andrew(Andy) James and son in law Randy Foxworthy.

Due to the current Covid restrictions, a celebration of life and graveside service will be held in early May. Donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the Wheeler Mission, 317 635-3575, in honor of Jim James, PO Box 3085, Indianapolis IN 46206.