Dorothy A. “Dot” James (née Gaynor), 95, of New Alsace, Indiana, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026, at St. Andrews Health Campus in Batesville, Indiana, with her family by her side.
Dorothy was born on October 31, 1930, in Dover, Indiana, the daughter of Louis and Hannah Gaynor (née Fischer). She married Robert “Bob” James on June 7, 1952, and he preceded her in death on their wedding anniversary, June 7, 2006. Dorothy was a 1948 graduate of Oldenburg Academy and worked as an insurance clerk in Cincinnati until meeting Bob. Together, they settled in New Alsace and started their family, where they were blessed with two wonderful children, Mary Lou and Roger.
They operated the “James Lake” fishing lake on their property for many years and owned the “Old Brick Tavern” in Penntown, Indiana, for more than 15 years, where everyone loved her famous fried chicken, lively music, and camaraderie. She loved playing cards—especially euchre tournaments—working jigsaw and word puzzles, watching game shows, and loyally supporting All Saints Catholic Parish and the American Legion Auxiliary, where she served as past President. Dorothy truly never knew a stranger and loved her family, friends, and the Lord fiercely.
Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Mary Lou (Mel) Knollman; five grandchildren: Melissa Knollman, Lacey (Paul) Hudepohl, Mike (Amanda) Knollman, Lauren (Ben) Thayer and Shari (Baylin Heidorn) James; eleven great-grandchildren: Ava, Hunter, Rogen, Griffin, Teegan, Dillon, Bren, Iris, Fallon, Finlyn and Berlin; loving niece/best friend Mary Jo (Dan) Calhoun, and many other loved ones who will miss her immensely. She was preceded in death by Bob, her husband of 54 years; her son Roger James; brothers Richard and Bernie; sisters Mary Gerald and Bertha Lipps, and her parents.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 27, 2026, at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home of Sunman, 107 W. Vine Street, from 6 until 8 p.m. The Holy Rosary will be prayed prior to the visitation at 5:45 p.m. Father John Hollowell will officiate a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 11 a.m. at All Saints Parish—St. Paul’s Campus in New Alsace, Indiana. Burial will immediately follow in the church cemetery. A luncheon and time of fellowship will be held following the burial at the American Legion Post #452 in New Alsace, all are welcome to join.
Memorial contributions in honor of Dot may be directed to the American Legion Post #452. Donations will be accepted in person at the visitation, or they can be mailed to P.O. Box 185, Sunman, Indiana 47041.
To share a fond memory, leave a personal condolence, or to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home are honored to care for Dot and her family.