James E. Lockert

February 5, 1932-October 1, 2010

James E. Lockert’s soul was committed to the Lord at approximately 9:00 p.m. on Friday, October 1, 2010, at home. He was born February 5, 1932, in Montgomery County, Tennessee, the son of Ed and Fredonia (Moody) Lockert. On October 2, 1975, the late Reverend Pete Bellamy married James and Margaret (Peterson) Lockert.

James followed his two older sisters and their spouses to Kokomo in 1952 after hearing of factory work available. He toiled at Penn-Dixie (Continental) steel on a swing shift from 1952 to 1956. He was hired at Chrysler Transmissions in 1956 until his retirement in 1990; most of those years as a job setter in Department 8450. During James’ only time laid-off from Chrysler, in 1957, he was especially proud of working at the Hudson Auto Dealership. James supplemented his income with Amway sales and office janitorial work.

James’ hobbies and pastimes were few in recent years, but he was a master at word search puzzles. He enjoyed old western movies, and in earlier years, was an avid bowler in several leagues. He also enjoyed hunting, especially rabbits, and fishing was his favorite recreation. He was also a good car mechanic. James was a big Purdue sports fan, especially football. His favorite sport, baseball, kept him rooting for the Atlanta Braves. James’ memberships include Associate FOP #78 Lodge, local 685, past member Elks Lodge #429, and the Kokomo Bowlers Association. He was an anonymous donor to several charitable causes, especially those concerning children.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret; eight children, Charles E. Lockert, Indianapolis, Cheryl A. Lockert, Longview, Texas, Tracy W. Lockert, Indianapolis, Larry E. Lockert, Indianapolis; James A. Lockert, North Miami Beach, Florida, Michelle L. Lockert, Louisville, Kentucky, Marcella R. Lockert, Indianapolis, and Evelyn Dixon, Clarksville, Tennessee; one step-daughter, Pamela McKinney, Indianapolis; four beloved sisters, Marcia L. Murphy, Kokomo, Mattie B. Thomas, Indianapolis, Mary Ellen Jones, Indianapolis; and Eliza J. (Norman) Long, Clarksville, Tennessee; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-nine great grand-children; and four ‘special’ children, Jace Vandergriff and Karl and Jeremy Roberts, and Rick Wisehart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Gwendolyn; two sisters, Carrie Lockert and Mary F. Meriweather; an infant brother; four brothers-in-law, Jack Meriweather, Vernol D. Murphy, James D. Thomas, and ‘Bubba’ Jones.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at Sunset Memory Funeral Home with services to follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Kokomo Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Diabetes Association. Condolences to the family may be made at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com.