James "Jim" Earl Underwood Jr.

James Earl Underwood, Jr. (Jim) 67, was born on January 27, 1956, and passed away unexpectedly on April 28, 2023. He was born in Madisonville, KY, and moved to Indianapolis, IN at any early age, with his parents, James Earl Sr. and Shirley Mae Underwood, who preceded him in death.

James attended Arsenal Technical High School and later joined the U.S. Air Force. After returning home, he attended Indiana Central University, now known as University of Indianapolis. He received an Associate of Science Degree in September 1982, and his Bachelor of Science Degree in September 1986.

James was employed by the Indianapolis Airport Authority Fire Department on October 1, 1976, until he retired due to his health, on November 27, 2007. He held many positions with the fire department. He was the Training Coordinator/Fire Inspector for the Airport Fire Department and was responsible for the on-going training of all Fire Rescue Officers and conducted regular fire safety inspections of all facilities at International, as well as at reliever airports. During the 80’s and 90’s, James was the first Black Fire Chief for the airport fire department. He was also an original member of Indiana Task Force One, a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Force and was deployed to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

James joined Mt Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, Indianapolis. He was called to the ministry and under the tutelage of the late Rev. Gary Sellars received a Certificate of License to preach the gospel on January 22, 2006. He enjoyed reading and studying the Bible.

One of James’s passions was baking. His made from scratch carrot cake with cream cheese icing was his most requested dessert. He also enjoyed spending time with flight simulator computer programs as he loved anything to do with aviation.

Along with his parents, James’s younger brother, Johnny Underwood, preceded him in death. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 30 years, Cynthia; sisters, Jocelyn E Fields and Pamela Mason both of Indianapolis; daughter Tiffany Underwood and stepson Bryan Spearman; grandchildren Chordae, Monae and Mason Spearman, Michael McCray, Braelyn Underwood and a host of other relatives and friends.

A visitation for James will be held Saturday, May 6, 2023, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 5111 W 62nd St., Indianapolis, IN 46268, followed by a celebration of life at 11:00 AM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crownhill.org for the Underwood family.