James T. Cartwright

James was the youngest of eight children by Lewis and Minnie Cartwright. It was his blessing to be nurtured by Christian parents and the St. Paul A.M.E Zion Church Family in Drakesboro, Kentucky.

During his high school years at DCHS, he participated in the Glee Club, Hi-Y, and played basketball and baseball. His teachers and coaches and pastor encouraged him to go to higher heights in God's world. Even though he experienced setbacks and trials along the way, he was afforded vigor to try the boundless sea of life. He was guided by divine providence through life's swelling current to accomplish his goals.

He entered Wilberforce University in Ohio in 1950, but his college career was temperately interrupted by a call to the U.S. Military. During his military tour of duty, he served as squad leader in the anti-aircraft artillery. After the military, he re-entered Wilberforce University and graduated with a Bachelor's of Science degree in history and social science. He then went on to receive a master's degree at Indiana University.

His teaching career included employment in public high schools in Flint, Michigan, at Drakesboro Consolidated High School, Madisonville, Kentucky, and Rogers High School in Michigan City, Indiana. He retired from teaching and coaching in Michigan City, Indiana.

He kept busy in the church and community activities. He is a member of Bethel A.M.E Church in Michigan City, Indiana. He served as an adult Sunday school teacher, Steward Board director, and one of the nine delegates from Indiana to the General Conference.

James also served on the following boards: La Porte Juvenile Board Director, Martin Luther King Board Director, Member of Smithson Institute, Fair Housing Board Member, Indiana Teachers Association, National Education Association, Head Start Board Member and Basketball All State Game.

James T. Cartwright, 92, of Michigan City, Indiana, received his Crown of Life on Jan. 2, 2022, at Franciscan Health. He was married to the love of his life for 54 years, Lizzie Cushenberry Cartwright, who preceded him in death on Dec. 7, 2018. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Alan Cartwright, Cliffie McCoy, Joe Cartwright, Willie Cartwright, Maugerite Schultz, Mabel Cartwright, Edna Robinson and Cliffie MCoy.

James leaves to cherish his memories one son, Joel Cartwright, and two grandsons, Joshua and Jordan Cartwright, all of Evansville, Indiana.

A Celebration of life will be held on two days, a Wake on Jan. 14, 2022, at Coleman & Hicks Chapel, 101 S. Karwick Rd., Michigan City, Indiana, from 5 to 7 p.m., and a Home-going service on Jan. 15, 2022, at Bethel AME Church, 629 E. Michigan Blvd., Michigan City, Indiana, at 1 p.m. with viewing from 12 noon until time of Service at 1 p.m. with Pastor David Swarn to do Eulogy. Burial will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West, 5817 Fort Campbell Boulevard, Hopkinsville, Kentucky, 42240.

To sign guestbook, please visit www.colemanhicks.com.