Robert Howard James

Born in Coral Gables, Florida, he moved to Indiana at the age of 12, graduated from Broad Ripple High School, and attended Indiana University before enlisting in the Navy. It was in the Navy that he met Judith Stratton, the love of his life, whom he married in 1961.

Robert is survived by Judith James, his wife of 63 years, and his grateful children Kathryn(Mike) Halliwell, Robert(Franca) James, Kevin(Danielle) James, Steven James, Jennifer Gause, Judithann(Tim) Smith, and Meagan(Jay) Phillips; grandchildren Lauren(Jackson) Patterson, Kate Halliwell, Anne Halliwell, Tyler(Eilidh) Halliwell, Kendyl James, Griffin James, Taylor James, Ali(Thomas) Richardson, Kelsie James, Emily Smith, Abbey Smith, Maggie Gause, Jack Gause, Callie Gause, Kylie Phillips, Pierce Phillips; and great-grandchildren Grayson Patterson and Shay Richardson.

Bob spent the majority of his career as the Director of Student Financial Services for I.T.T. Educational Services. Upon retirement, Bob was appointed as the First National Liaison to Career Schools for the U.S. Department of Education in Washington D.C., until his second retirement at the age of 77.

Bob and his family loved to laugh, and he had a clever sense of humor that often veered into sarcasm (the James family love language.) As they often say– “It’s a James thing, you wouldn’t understand.” Travel was a passion for him, and he generously shared this love with his family. His favorite destination was Ireland, and a major highlight was celebrating his 80th birthday surrounded by his children in Dingle. He loved reading and doing crosswords, watching the history channel, and sitting in the sun on the beach. He enjoyed clipping coupons, reading the Wall Street Journal, and supporting his children and his many grandchildren’s activities. He will be deeply missed and was so loved.

In recent years, he always counted down the days to our annual James Gang beach vacation….. 42 days, Dad.

Visitation for Robert will be held Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Leppert Mortuary – Nora, 740 East 86th St, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240, followed by an informal celebration of life at 11:00 AM. A private burial will follow.

Memorial contributions can be made to College Park Church 2606 W. 96th St., Indianapolis, IN 46268 and The Marquette Manor Foundation 8140 Township Line Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260.