James Mark Runkel

James Mark Runkel, passed unexpectedly at the age of 57 on Monday, July 4th, 2022, at 2:14 am at the IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Jim, as he was known and loved, was the oldest of three children born to Mark and Judy (Richardville) Runkel. His life began on Friday, December 18th, 1964, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Jim spent his childhood in the Martinsville area, Indiana, and graduated high school with the class of 1983 from Martinsville High School. He went on to further his education at Indiana University in Bloomington and graduated from the IU Kelly School of Business in 1988. He was currently employed with Navient Corporation in Fishers, Indiana, working as a Technical Analyst, where he had been a dedicated employee since 2019. Prior to Navient, Jim worked approximately four years at Diamond Chain and twenty-three years for Cripe Engineering in Indianapolis.
Jim was known for his kind soul, volunteering his time and expertise to Habitat for Humanity and the Patriot Guard Riders. Jim was also a running and hiking enthusiast! He had recently qualified for the 2022 Boston Marathon, completed several other marathons, completed sections of the Appalachian Trail and hiked to the summit of Longs Peak in Colorado, reaching 14,259 feet, with his dad, Mark.
Jim leaves behind a host of loving family and friends including his wife, Kelly Sue (Holsapple) Runkel of Pendleton, IN; whom he married on August 18, 2015; parents, Mark and Judy Runkel of Mooresville, IN; brother, Mike (wife, Amy) Runkel of Martinsville, IN; sister, Sandi (husband, Harley) Clevenger of Mooresville, IN; son, Corey Runkel of Carmel, IN; daughter, Kellie Runkel of Indianapolis, IN; step-daughter, Charis (husband, James) Shrake of Fortville, IN; three grandchildren, Carson, Corbin and Cali; and his beloved dogs, Brody and Ruby Roo.
In keeping with Jim's loving and generous spirit, it was his decision to donate, so that others may live. Following the donation, Jim will be cremated, and his family will be hosting a celebration of life memorial at a later date.
Those wishing to make a donation in Jim's memory may do so to the Uplands PEAK Sanctuary, 6444 Freedom Arney Road, Freedom, IN 47431.
Jim's final arrangements have been entrusted to Neal & Summers Funeral and Cremation Center in Martinsville. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.nealandsummers.com