James William Officer, Jr.

Story of Life

James William Officer, Jr. entered his eternal rest peacefully on October 20, 2023.

On a beautiful October day in 1949 James was born in Indianapolis to James and May Sue Officer.  As the eldest of ten children, he took his responsibility for his younger siblings seriously.

A product of the Indianapolis Public Schools, James earned an academic diploma, and completed a program in automotive technology while also playing on the football team.

At the age of fourteen, James accepted Christ and began a lifelong walk with YESHUA his Messiah. Even as an adolescent James was devoted to the Word of YAHOVAH and committed to living according to its tenets. As he became a young husband and father, James and his family attended Christ Church where he served as a youth Bible teacher.

James was employed as a master mechanic for the Indianapolis Police Department. Later in life he brought his skills to Fed Ex where he worked until retirement. For recreation, James took his young family on camping trips, where they grilled food, swam, fished and slept under the stars.   

James developed a love of African history and culture. He joined an African drumming circle and performed at Black Arts Festivals and programs throughout the city. At home he taught himself to play the Native American flute which he played until the end of his life.

James was a poetic soul. His most notable artistic pursuit was writing and performing poetry. For twenty-five years he presided over Midtown Writers which offered local artists a place to perform their work at Kafe Kuumba; which still exists today!  

As a young man James loved to take to the open road on his motorcycle. At the age of 73 he was still riding his Harley Davidson!

James is loved and survived by his wife Deidre, his children James III (Patricia), his daughter LaShaun (Joe), his son Ryan, eight grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren; his siblings Willa, Patricia, Phyllis, Edgar, Louise, Emmanuel and William; with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, family and friends.

We count ourselves blessed to have known and loved this kind and beautiful soul.