James S. Givens III

James S. Givens III, a devoted family man, proud Mason and Shriner, and lifelong lover of the outdoors, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025, at the age of 86. He was born on July 19, 1939, in Charleston, West Virginia, to the late James S. Givens Jr. and Oleta S. Givens (née Sweeney).
James was a man of quiet strength and gentle presence. He did not speak often, but when he did, his words carried weight. His actions, more than anything, showed his deep commitment to family, tradition, and the values he held dear. He found happiness not in grand things, but in simple moments-morning coffee on the porch, the calm of a fishing trip, the laughter of grandchildren, or the smell of food cooking on the grill.
A true outdoorsman at heart, James especially loved spending time on Corey Lake in Michigan. Some of his most cherished moments were spent on the pontoon boat, fishing alongside his children and grandchildren, surrounded by the natural beauty he held so dear. Summers were for camping trips, barbecues, and family gatherings. Holidays like Memorial Day and Labor Day became beloved family traditions, full of shared meals, campfires, and stories passed down through generations.
Cooking was another one of James's passions. Whether grilling outdoors or preparing meals in the kitchen, he especially enjoyed cooking with some of his children, who inherited his love for bringing people together through food. He found joy in preparing meals for his family, not just to nourish them, but as an expression of his deep and unwavering love.
James was incredibly proud to be a Mason and a Shriner, organizations that reflected his values of service, community, and integrity. His involvement in these groups brought him a strong sense of purpose and fellowship. He carried these values with him throughout his life, instilling them in his children and grandchildren by the quiet example he set every day.
Family was the center of James's world. He found true joy in seeing his family grow and thrive, attending reunions, sharing stories, and creating memories that would last for generations. He was never one to demand attention, but his calm, steady presence had a way of bringing people together. His love was felt not in grand gestures, but in the quiet way he showed up-always ready to lend a hand, to share a moment, or to simply be there.
James S. Givens III will be deeply missed, but his memory will continue to live on in the lives of those who knew and loved him. His quiet presence brought peace and unity to all who gathered around him. Though he has left this world, the warmth of his spirit will remain with us always.
We love you. We will miss your gentle strength, your quiet smile, and the way you brought us together-without needing to say a word.
James was preceded in death by his parents and by his beloved sister, Judith L. Givens.
He is survived by his wife, Dawn Givens (née Odiorne), and by his children: Deborah Arisman, James S. Givens IV, Christiane E. Draves and her husband Fred, Cathleen A. Markanich, Carey L. Frost, Scott A. Markanich and his wife Tara. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews who will carry forward his legacy of quiet love, family tradition, and cherished memories.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, located at 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola, Indiana, 46561. A funeral service with the Mason's will immediately follow. James will be laid to rest at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
To leave a message for the family, please go to ChapelHillMemorial.com