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James Ferringer Obituary

James E. Ferringer

West Lafayette - Jim Ferringer, 65, of West Lafayette passed away at home on Monday, September 10, 2018.

He was born in Lafayette to the late Edward Charles Ferringer and Mary Virginia (Laudick) Ferringer. Jim graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1970. He then enrolled at Purdue University and received undergraduate (1974) and graduate degrees (1987) in fine art, with concentrations in metalwork and sculpture. There he connected with his future wife and fellow creative arts student, Susan Dillon, while working in the printmaking studio on New Years Eve 1974. They married that August.

Jim always knew that he wanted to be an artist. For more than 60 years it was his gift, curse, and passion. His earliest work was a series of small-scale constructions — boxes, temples, and tiny stages — where Jim began to define a magical reality. He turned next to mixed media drawing and later to digitally manipulated photography, creating a vast catalog of surreal and intimate landscapes and figurative portraits.

Jim had a life-long love of the beach, found objects, and the vistas provided by open water. After a 2016 trip to Michigan, he started painting, first in acrylics and more recently in oil. Although his digital work was often dark and satirical, Jim's paintings were lighter, allowing him a measure of serenity, humor, and hope in today's divisive and hate-filled world.

Jim's home was another reflection of his creativity. He was an inspired and innovative cook. His passion for gardening provided a lush park-like environment for his family and friends to enjoy. Jim was in the unique role of stay-at-home parent during the '80s and '90s. Later, with more free time, he worked as an interior designer freely sharing his love of fine objects and a good bargain.

Jim worked as an apprentice for Gene and Hiroko Pijanowski under a 1975 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. He also received grants from the Indiana Arts Commission in 1987 and 1988. His work has been exhibited in group and solo shows throughout the midwest including Indianapolis, Chicago, and Louisville as well as in Washington D.C. and Paris. His digital work has been featured in both national and international publications.

In addition to his wife, Sue, Jim is survived by daughter Morgan Ferringer, mother Mary Ferringer, sister Theresa Ferringer Lumley, brother David Ferringer (wife Linda Heckaman-Ferringer), and sister-in-law Sandra Dillon. He was preceded in death by his father and parental in-laws, Willard and Dorothy Dillon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in Jim's name to the charity of your choice.

Visitation will be from 4-6 pm, Tuesday, September 18 at Soller-Baker West Lafayette Chapel, 1184 Sagamore Parkway West. Please feel free to wear jeans; Jim would have.

You may sign the guest book and leave memories at www.soller-baker.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Journal & Courier on Sep. 14, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for James Ferringer

Sponsored by Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc. – West Lafayette Chapel.

Not sure what to say?





Celeste Perrucci Schwartz

November 30, 2019

Jim, Your kinetic energy is silenced and still here on earth, but wherever you are, things are all still in motion.
You are missed with lights a bit dimmer and sounds a bit quieter. Miss your spirit my friend. Fly wild

Meredith Richmond

September 18, 2018

I'm so sorry for Jim's family and friends. He was such a talented artist. (We were Facebook friends!) Please accept my condolences. It's a loss to our community.

Nancy Marshall

September 18, 2018

My deepest condolences to Sue, and to the entire family. I was fortunate to get to know Jim, and enjoyed our conversations about art and life. RIP, creative man.

Jennifer Reitmeyer

September 18, 2018

My condolences to the Ferringer family. I hope your fond memories of Jim sustain you during this difficult time. He was a very talented and sharing soul. He will be missed.

Sharon Wallwin

September 17, 2018

Was wonderful growing up next door to your family. Jim was so unique and fun. Love you all, Sharon (BOLINGER) Wallwin

Cathy Renn

September 17, 2018

Cathy (Bolinger) Renn
Sharon (Bolinger) Wallwin

Cathy Renn

September 17, 2018

My sincere condolences to the Ferringer family. Losing a loved one is never easy. A beautiful soul has ascended to heaven. Many fond memories of the old neighborhood on Whitehall drive. Wishing your family peace, comfort, and courage to face the days ahead. Keep loving memories of Jim forever to warm your hearts.
Cathy (Bolinger) Renn

Joyce Field

September 17, 2018

So sorry to hear of Jim's death. My condolences to the family.

Janet and Joe Bolan

September 17, 2018

We were so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Sue. you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Lou OLeary

September 15, 2018

My dearest Jim, words cannot express my deep sadness to learn you are no longer with us. However, i know you will always be a brilliant light in the universe. My heartfelt gratitude for selflessly sharing your many talents, unique visions, & your beautiful legacy. You made a difference. Deepest sympathy to all family, loved ones, & friends.

Christopher Allen

September 15, 2018

My warmest condolences to the family.
"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart,
and you shall see that in truth
you are weeping for that which has been your delight."
-Kahlil Gibran

Bobi Lerma

September 14, 2018

Condolences to the family. I will always cherish the great times we had as kids and teens in our old neighborhood. Much love to Mary, Dave and Terri.
Sincerely, Bobi Lerma (Bobette Parks}

September 14, 2018

My sincere condolences to the Ferringer family. May the love of God and heartwarming memories of your dearly loved family member and friend give you comfort beyond measure. (1 John 4:9)

Karin Bergman

September 14, 2018

Dearest Jim, this has been such a shock. You are truly one of the most talented artists I have ever known. What is it about Tippecanoe County? Brilliant artists and historians running about all over the place! We first met 30 or more years ago, through the Tippecanoe County Historical Association. Then at the Art Museum. Such beautiful and detailed creations you had, whether 2-or3-dimensional. Your knowledge of historic trade beads was amazing, your booth at the Feast of the Hunters' Moon a veritable treasure trove to behold. And design? Unequaled. We also shared a great passion for things the soils could, and sometimes would, reveal to us, many of which turned up incorporated into your beautiful art work. Much love to you, my dear, multi-talented, passionate friend. See you somewhere, out there, someday--

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results

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Memorial Events
for James Ferringer

Sep

18

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc. – West Lafayette Chapel

1184 Sagamore Parkway West, West Lafayette, IN 47906

Funeral services provided by:

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc. – West Lafayette Chapel

1184 Sagamore Parkway West, West Lafayette, IN 47906

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