James I. Abbott

James I. Abbott, 93, a resident of Independence Village in Columbus, passed away November 20, 2025. Mr. Abbott was born August 27, 1932, in Greensburg, to the late Chester Jacob and Flossie Marie (Baugh) Abbott.

Mr. Abbott proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He enjoyed a successful career in insurance sales and service with Indiana State Farm that spanned 36 years. After his retirement, they resided in Zephyrhills, Florida, for a number of years, where he was a Free and Accepted Mason. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan, enjoyed camping, and traveling. An incredibly sociable man, Mr. Abbott will be fondly remembered for his gift to make those around him feel important. He was exceptionally devoted to his loving family, all who will cherish his memory.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley A. Childers Abbott; sons, James Anthony Abbott, Bruce Randall Harris, Gary Abner; brothers, William, Sheldon, and Don Abbott.

Survivors include his grandsons and their wives, Joshua (Jennifer) Abbott, Jonathan (Jessica) Abbott, and Samuel Gossett; his daughter, Jennifer K. Gossett; a niece, Deborah (Josh) VanMeter; great-grandchildren, Lillian Abbott, Laela Abbott, Lily Barbercheck, and Zaira Barbercheck, Nora Abbott, EllieAuna Hopkins, Owen Hopkins, and Jemma Abbott; many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to remember, honor, and celebrate the life of James I. Abbott will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home, 3855 25th Street, Columbus. A private inurnment will take place at the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Madison. Visit www.JewellRittman.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.