James C. Imlay

James C. "Poppy" Imlay Sr. passed away on Thursday, July 6th at 9:40 am at Hospice. James battled illness after illness, but his diabetes trumped his illnesses which led to his leg being amputated in 2022. After the amputation, James was never the same. Multiple doctor visits every month kept him alive for another year and 6 months (respectively)!
Poppy was all about Fast Cars and Freedom. Any "special car" he owned always had to be washed and waxed even if there was a leaf on the car, he threw a fit! If there was a car show in the southern part of Indiana, you would find him there somewhere. He often participated in the car show but then had to become a spectator. He was determined whether he had money or not, to go to any event he wanted! He also loved to dance, listen to music, watch westerns on tv, go to western-themed stores, and sometimes go to church. He bought a nice pair of boots before he passed away! He was very stubborn about what he wanted that day. If he said no, the answer was NO!!
When Poppy was told that he could not get his license renewed due to vision issues, this was considered his last downfall and he considered himself invaluable.
He was also known to have many girlfriends at the places he frequently went to. In 2001, he met the love of his life, Rallena J. Perdue. She later became Rallena J. Imlay in 2006. He cherished everyone in his family even though they were not close throughout his life.
Poppy was one to always have the last word! His famous saying was "I'm an Imlay and I'll remind you of that to the day I die. I will ALWAYS win!"
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home with Christopher Rutan officiating. Calling hours will be one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Burial will be held at Lambert Cemetery.
Survivors include his wife, Rallena J. Imlay; children, James C. (Rhonda) Imlay Jr. of Columbus, IN, Curtis J. Imlay of Seymour, IN; Angela (Dustin) Taylor of Columbus, IN; step-children, Dustin O. Perdue of Elizabethtown, IN, Derek (Ashley) Purdue of Ogilville, IN and Katrina M. Perdue of Elizabethtown, IN; brother, Wilbur (Nancy) Imlay of Medora, IN; sisters, Beverlyn Weddell of Seymour, IN, Vonda Coffelt of New Port Richie, FL and Alta Cruse of No. Vernon, IN; and several grandchildren.
James was preceded in death by his parents, William E. and Lucille I. Imlay; brother, William Imlay II.
You are invited to view his video tribute, leave a condolence message to the family, and light a virtual candle of remembrance online at www.jewellrittman.com.