James Richard England

James Richard England, 72, Indianapolis, passed away on April 22, 2023. He was born July 22, 1950 in Circleville, Ohio to Glenn and Lucille England. He grew up in Columbus, Ohio, graduated from Eastmoor High School, and went on to earn degrees in English and Creative Writing from The Ohio State University. He began his career in advertising with Lazarus Department Store, which eventually brought him to Indianapolis. He worked in marketing and advertising for several organizations before joining The Pearson Group in 1983, which later became Pearson, Crahan, Fletcher, England, where he served as partner and Executive Vice President. In 1999, he joined the J.D. Byrider Advertising Group as President. He officially retired in 2015, but continued his passion for marketing as a consultant until his passing. Notable achievements included serving as President of the Advertising Club of Indianapolis in 1989 and receiving the Man of the Year award in 1990. He was also inducted into the J.D. Byrider/CNAC Hall of Fame in 2015. He was a volunteer for the American Heart Association for over 20 years, serving as the Board Chairman from 2013-2015 and Chairman of the Indy Heart Walk in 2009 and 2010. He was passionate about music. A self taught drummer, he was one of the original founders of “The Meatball Band”, a group of advertising execs who played gigs locally, and, most notably, made an appearance in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2003 and in The Super Bowl Village in 2012. He was also an avid Ohio State football fan. He enjoyed many trips to “the Horseshoe” with his family and friends, and loved cheering on the Buckeyes locally with the OSU alumni association. Jim was an avid golfer and member of Highland Golf and Country Club for over 20 years. He spent much of his free time on the golf course. He fulfilled lifelong dreams of playing in Scotland at the Old Course at St. Andrew’s with some of his closest friends, and Pebble Beach with his family. He also enjoyed spending his summers with his wife and children at their family home on Lake Wawasee. Jim truly was the life of the party. He was a friend to all who met him. He had a twinkle in his eye, a lightning quick wit, and was always armed with a story to make you laugh or a song to make you dance. Most importantly, Jim had a deep love for his family. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 37 years Cynthia; his four children Katie DeVier (Josh), Matt England, Ben Higgs (Nikki), and Cary Pyle (Colin); his three grandchildren Nathan, Owen, and Ellie; his sister Joyce Harris, nephew Joel Frenzel (Ruby), and his beloved golden retriever Rigby. A Celebration of “The Life of the Party” will be held Tuesday, May 2 at Highland Golf and Country Club, 1050 West 52nd Street, Indianapolis from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or The Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation.