Gerald Vivian James, 94, of Aurora, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2019 in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
He was born July 5, 1925 in Petersburg, Indiana, son of the late Granville Vivian James and Leah Irene (Salmon) James.
Gerald worked as a Music Teacher for Lawrenceburg Community Schools, retiring after over 21 years of service.
He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church (Bellaire) Lawrenceburg, IN. Gerald was an organist at St. John Lutheran Church Bellaire for 31 years and at Zion Lutheran Church Manchester for 19 years. During his time at St. John’s, he started the “Bell Aires” hand bell choir. The “Bell Aires” hosted the tri-state “Bells Across the Border” hand bell festival. While in college he composed a 4 piece part Anthem for Christmas that was played by the Singing Hoosiers 100 Part Choir. Gerald was inducted into the Southeast Indiana Music Hall of Fame. He received a commendation from the Indiana Governor for his many hours of volunteer work in the community, such as the RSVP Kitchen Band and the Boy Scout program. Gerald was very inspirational to many people throughout his entire life.
Gerald is survived by his children, Jeri Alan (Marisella) James, Joseph Edward James (Sue Mori) and Lora Irene James; son-in-law, Michael Horton, grandchildren, Stephanie (Brandon) Jones, Daniel (Jennifer) James, Benjamin James, Ashley (Joe) Goad, Melissa James, Heather James, Brent (Abby) Horton, Michaela (Gunnar) Hoffman, Morgan Horton (Kevin Chivelle), Jennifer (Josh) King, Jacob James Reiber, Kobi James; 12 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 70 years, Alice Oleva (Ropp) James; daughter, Mary Alice Horton; son, Robert James; grandson, Jonathan James; brothers, Maurice James and George James.
Friends will be received Sunday, December 8, 2019, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the St. John Lutheran Church (Bellaire), 4937 State Road 48, Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
Services will be held at the church, Monday at 11:00 am, with Pastor Creighton Leptak officiating.
Interment will follow in the St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery (Bellaire), Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, (James/Horton Family and Friends Team). If unable to attend services, please call the funeral home office at (812) 926-1450 and we will notify the family of your donation with a card.
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