James A. Rodefeld, age 84 of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home, in his sleep, on Friday June 30, 2023. Jim was born in 1938 in Richmond, Indiana to Emma Marie Rodefeld and William Harrison Rodefeld. He is preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, William A. Rodefeld and Charles A. Rodefeld.
Jim was a loving and caring husband to his wife Ruth for over 64 years, a motivating father to his two sons Jeff Rodefeld (Libbi) of Carmel, Indiana, and Dr. Mark Rodefeld (Libby) of Carmel, Indiana, a loving grandfather to his six grandchildren, Sarah, Daniel, August, Henry, Lily, and William, a loving Uncle to his 5 nieces, and a loving companion to his pal, a Giant Schnauzer, Chase.
Jim led an amazing and accomplished life, beginning on the family farm in Richmond. His education started at Purdue University, in the School of Engineering. He later transferred and altered his career path to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from Butler University.
Jim started his business career as an Assistant Buyer with the Ayr-Way division of L.S Ayres & Company and rose over the years to Senior Executive Vice-President of L.S Ayres. During his tenure at L.S. Ayres, Jim interacted with many well-known apparel designers in the fashion world and travelled Europe to find unique retail resources. As Senior Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales Promotion at L.S. Ayres, Jim was instrumental in the development, and implementation of the “12 Hour Sale”. L.S. Ayres was the first department store in the country to market and promote this type of sales event. In 1984, Jim accepted the challenge of leading Sycamore Specialty Stores, a division of L.S Ayres, becoming the Chief Executive Officer growing the organization to 195 stores in 5 states under his leadership. Jim closed his career as Executive Vice President of Jacobson’s Stores, Inc.
Family was always first and foremost in Jim’s life. He spent many years with his extended family enjoying the natural beauty and wildlife at his cottage at Lake George in northern Indiana. He made a point of celebrating all holidays, family reunions, and Rodefeld Company annual picnics. A humble and caring individual, Jim had a zest for life and always had time for and took interest in people, even those he did not know.
Jim was a member of the Board of Director’s of Associated Dry Goods, a member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church for 60+ years, a member of Meridian Hills Country Club, Board Member of the Indianapolis Humane Society, Chairman of the Content Advisory Committee for the Indiana Historical Society’s Exhibition “That Ayres Look”, assistant to his wife Ruth at the annual Decorator’s Show House for St. Margaret’s Hospital Guild raising money for Eskenazi Hospital, and Board Member of 100 Voices of Hope at the IU Simon Cancer Center.
A visitation for Jim will be held Friday July 7th, 2023, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Leppert Mortuary – Nora, 740 E. 86th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana followed by his funeral service on Saturday July 8th at 11:00am at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a contribution in Jim’s memory to the Single Ventricle Heart Disease Research Fund (account 1380012363), IU Foundation - School of Medicine, P.O. Box 7072, Indianapolis, IN 46207-7072. Or go to: https://give.myiu.org/iupui/I380012363.html. Alternate contributions can be made to IndyHumane, 7929 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268 or 100 Voices of Hope - Breast Cancer Research, IU Foundation, PO Box 7072, Indianapolis IN 46207-7072.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared for the Rodefeld family at www.leppertmortuary.com.
