Mr. Ronald E. James

Ronald E. James, 93, of Columbus, passed from this life January 4th at his home. Born September 23, 1931 in Illinois, Ronald was the son of Hubert and Celia (Tibbs) James. Ronald graduated from Edward's County High School in 1950 and attended Bradley University. Ronald proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as a flight chief at Williams Air Force Base. Ron married the love of his life, Wanda (Deeter) on July 5, 1952 in Chandler, Arizona. They celebrated 72 years of marriage in July. They had two daughters, Deborah (Mike) McReynolds and Michele (Scott) Brown; two grandsons, Ryan (Allison) Shultz and Erick (Teal) Shultz; one granddaughter, Samantha (Gage) Reeves; and two great granddaughters, Maddie and Kasper Shultz.
Ron and Wanda owned and operated Malcolm Ross Jewelers until their retirement. Ron was the President of the Indiana Jewelers Association from 1979 to 1980, a member of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Lions Club International. After retirement, he enjoyed spending winters in Casa Grande, Arizona and working as a jeweler with his daughter and son in law at Columbus Pawn. Ron's favorite activity was model railroading. He founded the Columbus Area Model Railroad Club and was their first president. He was skilled at building models and enjoyed designing his (extensive) train layout. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, and daughter, Deborah.
The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, January 10, 2025, at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street with Steve Yeaton officiating. The funeral service will live stream at barkesweaverglick.com. Family and friends may gather for visitation from 11 a.m. until service time Friday. Ronald will be laid to rest at the Garland Brook Mausoleum. Full military honors will be presented by the U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Unit and the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or the Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum.
Condolences and special memories may be shared with the James family and a video tribute may be seen at barkesweaverglick.com.