James E Rimmer

James “J.R.” was born on May 4, 1941, in Greenville, MS to James, Sr. and Rosa (Aikens) Rimmer. He had one sister, Mary Lavonne, brother, Henry and half siblings Cathy, Gerome, Laurie, and Michelle. His parents, Mary, and Henry all preceded him in death as did Gerome, Laurie, Michelle, and a grandson, Maurice. J. R. lived in Indianapolis all his childhood and most of his adult life. In 1999 he retired, and he and June moved to Seattle, WA. a place he dearly loved.

J.R. had an abiding Christian faith having been baptized early in his childhood. He was also baptized as an adult during his membership at Light of the World Christian Church where he served as an usher. He loved life and because of his faith, he believed in living for the moment and not worrying about the past or the future.

J.R. received his formal education in Indianapolis Public Schools and continued to take classes at Ivy tech and IUPUI. He loved learning. No bit of information was too trivial for him to explore. No subject was too large for him to tackle. He also loved to travel. He and June explored four of the continents and much of the Caribbean. In addition to traveling, he was an avid Indy 500 Race fan, attending many races before his move to Seattle, WA. Two of his other great joys were fishing and allowing his boat to speed across many a lake and waterway between Indy and Seattle. He also loved dogs. He lost his “best friend” Barkley a couple of years ago but spoke of him often. J.R was also very talented and artistic working with wood and metal. He put those skills to good use in his work as a welder for over 35 years at Citizens Gas and Coke in Indianapolis.

J.R. also had a sense of community, and benevolence was an integral part of who he was. He was most giving and always willing to lend a hand. He was a former member of the Kiwanis of Renton. He appreciated their focus on the homeless. He took part part in an annual count of the homeless in the club’s efforts to serve those less fortunate.

J.R never met a stranger and was always willing to say hello and shake a hand. J.R was happy and joyful. He had a big, contagious laugh and he had no qualms about displaying his happiness. Many of us have seen him leap into the air and click his heels with excitement.

J.R. talked often about how blessed he was to have lived for eighty years and to have had such a full life. On the morning of June 26, 2021, he passed away suddenly, but peacefully. He leaves behind his beautiful wife, June, to whom he was married for 38 years; his one daughter, Sherrie Rutland, two grandchildren, (Michael and Lesha), seven great grandchildren, two great, great-grandchildren his half-sister, Cathy, nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.