James Wolfe

James (Jim) Wolfe, age 89, of New Middletown passed away February 7, 2026. Jim was born on November 30, 1936 in New Middletown IN and was the youngest child of Roy Wolfe, Sr. and Louise (Vogt) Wolfe. Jim was valedictorian of the final class graduating from New Middletown High School in 1954. Jim played on the NMHS varsity basketball team all 4 years of high school. Jim went on to Indiana University in Bloomington, IN to complete his Bachelor's and Master's degrees and completed his superintendent license from Ball State University in Muncie, IN. Jim began his teaching career in the fall of 1958 and retiring in spring of 1993 of these years he served as a teacher for 5 years and the remaining years in administration. Jim was a principal at South Central High School, Laconia Grade School, and New Middletown Grade School. Jim coached boys and girls basketball and track. On June 17, 1962, Jim married Phyllis Fuller of Yorktown, IN and they raised 3 daughters, Teresa, Denisa, and Jalisa.

Jim was preceded in death by parents Roy and Louise and 8 siblings, Kathleen Wolfe Raisor, Robert Wolfe, Dumont Wolfe, Bonnie Wolfe Bauer, Roy Wolfe, Jr., Charles Wolfe, Betty Wolfe, and Samuel Wolfe.

Jim is survived by his wife, Phyllis, and 3 daughters, Teresa, Denisa, and Jalisa, sister in law, Juanita Wolfe, and many nieces and nephews of multiple generations including great great great ones.

Jim was known for his sense of humor and quick wit. Jim loved to talk and never had met a stranger making friends wherever he went. Jim was fond of bestowing nicknames. Jim made lifelong friends at IU who gathered annually for a reunion and reminisced by telling tales of their glory days which seemed to become more glorious with each passing year. Sadly with Jim's passing, only one of this group remains, his good friend, Roman Lovisa of South Bend, IN. Jim was a loyal IU basketball fan and frequently coached from his recliner as he watched the games. Jim loved his students and always remembered their names when seeing them over the years. Jim was proud of his roots as a New Middletown Ranger as he helped co-found the NM High School Alumni Association and organized its annual alumni banquet for many years. Jim also helped form the Webster Township Recreation Club in the 1970's and was summer activities coordinator for several years. Jim wanted to preserve New Middletown history so he gathered Ranger memorabilia from former athletes and coaches to create the display cases at NM Grade School. Jim was a lifelong member of Bethany Church of New Middletown where he served in numerous leadership roles. Jim was a Hosparus Health of Southern Indiana volunteer, active in the Blue River Retired Teachers' Association, and member of the NM Lion's Club for several years. He helped maintain the Saint Paul Siegwald and Vogt Cemeteries. Until Jim was physically unable, he routinely visited those in nursing homes and rehab centers to help brighten their day with his good humor. A special thanks to family, friends, and former students who over the years called Jim, sent cards to Jim, and visited Jim. This meant a great deal to Jim and he treasured this. Jim will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Funeral service will be at 1:00 PM on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Gehlbach and Royse Funeral Home. (318 East Chestnut Street, Corydon, Indiana 47112)

Burial will follow in Bethany Church Cemetery in New Middletown, Indiana.

Visitation will be from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Saturday, February 14, 2026 and again on Sunday from 11:00 AM until the service time of 1:00 PM.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bethany Church of New Middletown or Hosparus Health of Southern Indiana.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Raza, Dr. Konijeti and the Hosparus Health of Southern Indiana team for the wonderful and loving care they provided to Jim.

We invite you to share your memories and photos of James on his memorial page. The family appreciates your thoughts, prayers, and the love you've shown. Services are entrusted to Gehlbach & Royse Funeral Home (318 East Chestnut Street, Corydon, Indiana 47112).