James E. Sommers

James E.  “Jim” Sommers, 85, of Whiteland, passed away on January 21, 2024.  He was born on July 26, 1938, in Indianapolis to William and Leona Murphy Sommers.

Jim attended Holy Trinity Catholic Grade School and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1956.   He served his country in the U.S. Navy.  He was a member of the Slovenian National Home in Haughville.  He was also a member of KSKJ, where he played and coached basketball for several years.

Jim married Brigid Sheehan on November 2, 1968 in Speedway.  Brigid preceded him in death on September 30, 1996.

Jim was a member of IBEW Local Union 481, where he worked as an electrician, a project manager for electrical contractors, and served on the benefits board for several years.  

After Brigid’s death, Jim decided to become a business owner and bought the Southport Dairy Queen, which he owned for several years.    

Jim enjoyed all sports, especially IU Basketball.   He enjoyed golfing and participated in several leagues.  Dancing was also one of his favorite activities.  He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s school and sports activities. His travels were at the top of his list.   He will be remembered for his kindness, volunteering, and giving to others.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Brigid Sheehan Sommers, sisters Roseann Jaffke, Dolores Glaze, Carolyn Sommers, brothers William (Bob) Sommers and Paul (Dick) Sommers.   He is survived by his loving family, Catherine (Alan) Wycoff, Mark Sommers, John (Julie) Sommers, companion Lucy Jakad, sisters Mary Schrader Gephart, Helen Kieffer, Theresa (Gerty) Mathis, brother Raymond Sommers, 6 grandchildren, 1 step grandchild, 2 great grandchildren with another to be born in February, several nieces and nephews, and bonus son, Carlos “Charlie” Sanchez Llibre Perez of Barcelona, Spain.

Jim’s Life Celebration® visitation will be Thursday, January 25, 2024, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at O’Riley – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227.  Morning prayers will be said on Friday, January 26, 2024, at 9:30 at the funeral home.  A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 AM at St. Jude Catholic Church, 5353 McFarland Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227.  The burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. 

The family would like to thank Franciscan Health Care, Aspen Trace, Lifespan, and Accent Care Hospice for their care and kindness shown to Jim in his final months.

Memorials in Jim’s name may be made to Parkinson Foundation, https://www.parkinson.org. 

Please visit www.OrileyBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.