James Louis “Jim” Dietz, age 94 of Batesville, Indiana, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Margaret Mary Health in Batesville. Born April 30, 1932, in Batesville, he is the son of William and Clara (Nee: Meyer) Dietz. He married Joellen Ferkinhoff on October 26, 1957, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Oldenburg and she preceded him in death on November 17, 2015.
Jim was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church in Batesville and was an Air Force veteran, having served during the Korean War from 1951 – 1955. Jim began his working career as a linotype operator at the Herald Tribune in Batesville and then went on to work in the sales and service of office equipment. From there he became co-owner of Indiana Office Supplies in Lawrenceburg until his retirement.
Jim loved to be outdoors, whether it was hunting and fishing as a boy, walking in the woods with his daughters, or teaching them to ice skate and play tennis. Jim’s early years as a caddy at Hillcrest Country Club led to a life-long love for the sport of golf. He enjoyed numerous golf courses throughout his life, playing with various friends and family and in later years the VFW group. Later in life he enjoyed daily walks and the many conversations he had with people while walking. He always kept a well- maintained yard where the family could gather and spend time together.
He is survived by his daughters Christy (Keith) Moenter of Batesville, Jan (Rick) Alexander of Hendersonville, Tennessee, Paula (Mark) Lehman of Bloomington, Indiana, and Karen (Tim) Bruns of Batesville; brothers John (Margo) Dietz of Oldenburg, Indiana and Bill (Tammy) Dietz of St. Mary’s, Indiana; 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents and wife, Jim was preceded in death by his sister Alyce Baker.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 23rd, from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m., at Weigel Funeral Home in Batesville, with a rosary service at 9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:00 p.m., at St. Louis Catholic Church in Batesville, with Fr. Suresh Ganta officiating. The burial will be at St. Louis Cemetery in Batesville, with military graveside rites being conducted by the Ripley County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3183 and the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271 of Batesville.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Louis School or the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3183 in Batesville. If unable to attend the visitation, memorials may be sent in c/o Weigel Funeral Home, PO Box 36, Batesville, Indiana 47006. For online condolences, please go to www.weigelfh.com.