Charles Addison Wiles

Judge Charles Addison Wiles left his earthly body on June 22, 2026 to continue his journey to reunite with his beloved wife of 57 years, Jeanne Parker Wiles, and granddaughter, Jamie Joan Devine. Born April 27, 1934, he was the oldest child of Edwin and Lena Wiles.

A product of Catholic schools, Chuck Wiles attended Holy Cross elementary on the near eastside, Cathedral High School at 14th and Meridian, and St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana, ultimately obtaining a law degree from Indiana University. Each of these experiences he shared with his lifelong friend John White. Chuck was an accomplished athlete with a passion for justice throughout his educational career. Stories about an elementary school state basketball championship game, hitchhiking to school with his Cathedral gym bag, and walking out of a restaurant after a road game when they refused to serve a fellow African-American teammate were often repeated at family gatherings.

Married to Jeanne in 1957, Chuck embarked on his role as a loving husband and father to five children: Jane, Charlie, Susan, Tom, and Kay. Chuck cherished Jeanne. He was always quick to give her the credit for successfully raising five responsible children, all of them born within seven years. However, Dad, affectionately referred to as Gpa, has always been an unflappable source of stability and guidance through the beauty and challenges of parenting. Never known to be overly affectionate, he quietly imparted solid values to his children. Known to wear his shoes until there were holes in the bottom and drive his cars until they had to be towed out of the driveway, he instilled the virtue of being frugal to his children. A focus on utility and away from overconsumption is something that we have all grown to appreciate in our later years.

Initially serving with the legal aid society and as a claims adjuster with Attorney General John Dillon during the construction of I-65, he was appointed by Governor Otis Bowen to serve as a Superior Court Judge in 1972. It was not uncommon for his children to hear praise from people who knew him as Judge Wiles. He had a sterling reputation for fulfilling his duties as a civil servant, maintaining an orderly courtroom, and dispensing justice with the dignity of the individual first and foremost. The crimes he had little patience for were ones that involved guns.

A lifelong Democrat, Chuck always maintained friendships across the political spectrum. His favorite president was Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower. For many years he could been seen around town sporting an “I Like Ike” ball cap. Chuck was a dedicated philanthropist evidenced by the dozens of calendars that show up in the mail every year. He proudly served on the board of the Indianapolis Athletic Club and helped to establish Miracle Place with Jeanne in the early 80s.

Charles Wiles’ story would be incomplete without mentioning Owen J. “Donie” Bush. A world-class baseball player, Donie was a neighbor during childhood and served as a mentor supporting Dad throughout his life. The family would also like to recognize his son Tom for providing loving care for Dad in his final years.

Charles Addison Wiles is preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Lena, his brother Joe and sister Betty, his beautiful and talented wife, Jeanne Parker Wiles, and his beloved granddaughter, Jamie Devine. Survivors include Jane Marie Wiles, Charles Edward Wiles (Sachiko), Susan Wiles Devine (Patrick), Thomas Francis Wiles, Katherine Marie Wiles (Todd Lothery), and grandchildren Jake, John, and Joe Devine, and Lena, Aya, and Mia Utsumi Wiles.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 2, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 5692 Central Ave., Indianapolis, 46220. Visitation will be from 11 am-12:30 pm, followed by a Catholic Mass at 12:30. Burial will immediate follow at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, and a celebration of life will be held afterward at Northside Events and Social Club at 71st and Keystone.

Memorial contributions can be made to Miracle Place, https://amiracleplace.org/ and HealthNet Homeless Initiative Program, https://healthnetfoundation-bloom.kindful.com/ please click on “Special Programs.”