James Howard Loughmiller

He was born Dec. 28, 1932, the son of the late Goldie and Ernest "Rudy" Loughmiller. His wife and best friend of 69 years, Bonnie Christine Davis Loughmiller, preceded him in death in November 2020, and his son, Jerry David Loughmiller, died at age 18 in September 1972.

He is survived by three children, Timothy (Lori) Loughmiller, Joseph (Cheri Storms) Loughmiller, and Susan Love Loughmiller; his sister, Pat Stanley; 5 grandchildren (Ryan Loughmiller, Brittany Padgett, Amanda Abrams, Steven Loughmiller and Matilda Thomson); 2 great-grandchildren (Isabel Padgett and Samuel Loughmiller); his cousin, Dell Thomas; and his girlfriend, Sandy Jinkins.

James was also preceded in death by his much-admired grandmother Leora Dicus, of English, Indiana, where he spent many happy summertimes as a young boy. Many of the Loughmiller ancestors and living relatives hail from the Crawford County area.

He joined Indianapolis Power & Light as a young electrician apprentice under Bonnie's father, Joe "Webb" (Cherry) Davis, and went on to retire there after more than three decades of service. He and Bonnie raised their family next door to both maternal and paternal grandparents.

After retirement he built his dream house with his own hands, and as an avid birder he enjoyed the many species he was able to attract over the years to his peaceful home.

James was a stalwart and sentimental father who supported yet loved to use his keen mind to debate his adult children about matters political, religious, practical and philosophical.

In his later years he worked as a self-employed electrician and carpenter, often spending his personal time helping out those who needed assistance on a budget, or a caring friend. He was a lover of all strays, devotedly parenting dozens of needy dogs and cats throughout his lifetime.

A Celebration of Life will be held for James at Grace Pointe Church of the Nazarene, 10951 E. County Road 100 S., Indianapolis, IN 46231, on Aug. 8 at 11am. Donations may be made in James' memory to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.familyfuneralcareindy.com for the Loughmiller family.