James B. Fledderman, age 76 of Batesville, died Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis. Born March 16, 1941 in Batesville, he is the son of Marjorie (Nee: Enneking) and Walter Fledderman. He married Rita Moorman July 17, 1965 at St. Anthony’s Church in Morris. Jim served in the Navy during the Vietnam War and then worked as a team leader and in shipping at Cummins Engines in Columbus for 32 years. After retiring, he worked part time at Gillman’s Do It Best Home Center for a little over ten years.
Jim was a huge basketball fan. He religiously followed I.U. and coached the St. Louis CYO team for 25 years. He was called the “General” and was glad to let you know Bobby Knight got the nickname from him……..not the other way around. He was also proud of his military service, having served aboard the U.S.S. Purdy and was honored to meet and shake hands with President John F. Kennedy. A few years later, in a bar in Boston, he would meet Yankee players Joe Pepitone, Mickey Mantle, Billy Martin, Whitey Ford and Roger Maris who were in town for a series with the Red Sox. Mantle and Ford would each by him a drink.
He liked to golf and much to the chagrin of his family, Jim thought he could sing. Apparently he was the only one. They also teased that with his death, Publisher’s Clearing House may not survive. As one of their better customers, it seemed liked not a day went by that he didn’t receive something from them. Always a story teller, he loved to reminisce about life on the farm growing up and being the oldest boy and second oldest of 13 children. Willing to do anything for his kids, he helped each one build their homes.
He is survived by his wife Rita; daughter Daphne Pomante; sons Bryan and Chris Fledderman, all of Batesville; sisters Clara Goble, Marti Clark and Norma Mayes, all of Batesville; brothers Bob Fledderman of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Mark Fledderman of Batesville, Tom Fledderman of Sunman, Indiana, Bernie Fledderman of Cincinnati, Ohio Neil Fledderman of Batesville, Steve Fledderman of Elkhart, Indiana, Rick Fledderman, Pat Fledderman and Lloyd Fledderman, all of Batesville; six grandchildren and one great grandchild. He is preceded in death by his parents and great granddaughter Lucy Nielsen.
Jim’s wishes were to be cremated. The family will receive friends from 1 – 4 p.m. Friday, July 21st at the Weigel Funeral Home. A prayer service will be conducted at 1 p.m. by Rev. Stan Pondo and visitation will conclude with military honors conducted by the Batesville V.F.W. Post #3183 and the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271 at 4 p.m. Memorials may be made to the funeral home to assist with funeral expenses.