Mr. James William “Bill” Lucas, age 61, of Rising Sun, Indiana, passed away at his home on Sunday, March 15, 2026, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Known affectionately as “Bill” or “JW”, he leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength, selflessness, and a sharp wit that brightened the lives of everyone who knew him.
Born on February 10, 1965, Bill was raised on his family’s farm in Moorefield, Indiana. From a young age, he learned the value of hard work—growing tobacco and milking cows—and the importance of family. After his mother, Dorothy, passed away when he was only three, his grandmother, America, moved in to help John raise him and his siblings. Bill’s innate kindness was evident early on; every morning before school, he would carefully thread ten needles for his granny so she could continue her sewing throughout the day. This simple act defined the man he became: a voice of reason, empathetic, and always putting others first.
An easy-going and funny soul, Bill loved the outdoors, working on the farms, and sipping a good bourbon. He was a 1983 graduate of Switzerland County High School and a member of the Switzerland Masonic Lodge #122 F&AM. Whether he was hanging out with family and friends or traveling to a new far-flung destination with his wife, Sharon, Bill’s presence was a steady and loving force. Bill cherished the quiet moments he shared with his beloved wife, Sharon, especially watching the sunset together at the end of the day.
Bill spent his life building and managing the world around him. He dedicated over 20 years to the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) before retiring. He later worked for H.C. Nutting on the Trimble County Stacks project. For the past 18 years, Bill served as a construction manager in the Planning and Development Department for the Kenton County Airport Board, working at the Cincinnati/N.KY International Airport.
Bill is survived by his wife, Sharon (Stegemiller) Lucas of Rising Sun, IN; Sharon’s children, Christopher Flood and his wife, Brooke, and their children, Danielle and Waylon; Stefanie Buchanan and her husband, Josh, and their daughter, Ann Marie; his brother, John Robert “Bob” Lucas and his wife, Debi of Moorefield, IN; his nephews, Andy Lucas and his wife, Shelby, and their children, Adeleigh and Case; Willie Self and his wife, Chelsey, and their children, Ava and Weston Self, and Bryson, Ava, and Brooklyn Thomas; his nieces, Randa Combs and her husband, Josh, and their children, Mason and Ellie; Tiffany Wooten and her husband, Tevin; his aunts, Becky Lucas and Mary Lucas; his mother-in-law, Margaret Stegemiller; his brothers-in-law, Joe Stegemiller and his wife, Cindy; Jeff Stegemiller and his wife, Jamie and their family.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, John Ervin and Dorothy Louise (Andrew) Lucas; his infant sister, Ruth Ann Lucas; his sister, Barbara Jean “Barb” Lucas; his first wife, Nancy Kay (Jellison) Lucas; his great-nephew, Luca James Wooten; and his father-in-law, Harris Junior Stegemiller.
Bill loved his family deeply and cherished every moment spent with them, especially his grandkids, who were his greatest joy. His kindness, humor, and gentle spirit will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home, 208 Ferry Street, Vevay, Indiana 47043. Masonic Services will be conducted at 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 20, 2026 by the Switzerland Masonic Lodge #122 F&AM at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 21, 2026 by Pastor John Heckman, at the Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home, 208 Ferry Street, Vevay, Indiana 47043.
Interment will follow in the New Liberty Cemetery, East Enterprise, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Loving Hearts Hospice Foundation, Ohio County EMS, or East Enterprise Volunteer Fire Department. Cards are available at the funeral home or online at www.haskellandmorrison.com
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation during this difficult time and would like to thank the hospice nurses and health aides who provided compassionate care and comfort to Bill and his family during his final days.
“Just as the sun sets but promises a new dawn, Bill’s love and memories will continue to shine in the hearts of those who loved him.”