James Edward O'Bannon

James Edward O’Bannon (Bert) of Bloomington, Indiana passed away on November 26, 2025. He was a New Year’s baby, born on January 1, 1934 to Robert R. and Louise (Clemons) O’Bannon. Everyone called James’ dad, “Big Bert”. When James came along, they called him “Little Bert”. He was born in the house that his father built and he resided there for almost all of his 91 years.

He was a lifelong, dedicated sports fan, especially IU. He rooted for the Hoosiers even after graduating high school and leaving Bloomington to attend Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical & Normal College. He was awarded a scholarship there to play on the college’s baseball team. When asked what he studied at AM&N he enthusiastically replied, “Women!”

Bert was inducted into the United States Army in June of 1956 and served until 1958. After his active duty ended he served in the U.S. Army Reserve, Indiana District and was honorably discharged in 1966 at the rank of Staff Sargent.

After discharge from the military, he continued his service to his country as an employee in the US Postal Service. Bert helped open doors for others as only the second African-American to ever be hired at the Bloomington post office. Bert held several roles from letter carrier to supervisor. With credit for his military service, he retired in April of 1999 with over 35 years of dedicated service.

In his earlier years, Bert was known to keep a large vegetable garden and generously shared its bounty with neighbors. Up until just a month ago Bert was still enjoying one of his favorite past times, which was driving around the city he loved, noting what buildings were coming down and what new buildings were going up. He also enjoyed meeting friends for meals at his favorite restaurants and topping it off with a McDonald’s ice cream cone and a Diet Coke!

Bert is survived by his first cousins Wayne Anderson (Donna), and Susie English. He also has numerous second cousins and countless friends. Bert was preceded in death by his parents, a half-brother Charles O’Bannon and his special friend Rose Duerson. The entire Duerson family held a special place in his heart as his bonus family. Bert considered Tina Duerson Kyles (Sylvester), and Harold Duerson like the children he never had. Bert will be missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be at 10am and the funeral service will be held at 11am on Friday, December 5th in the chapel at Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home located at 4150 East Third Street Bloomington, IN 47401.