James W Bales

He was born Friday, September 21, 1934, in Peoria, Illinois, the son of Homer W. and Gwendolyn M. (Newlan) Bales. James loved spending time with his family and he enjoyed singing. He was one that never met a stranger and he enjoyed the classic luxury cars. James was an Independent Insurance Agent in the Anderson area for several years with the Jim “King” Bales Insurance Agency. He was a member of the Jehovah Witness Kingdom Hall in Muncie and Anderson. James honorably served his country in the U.S. Army.

Survivors include his daughters, Jane (husband, Randy) Roberts, and Roberta (husband, Tony) Smith; son, Gary Bales; eight grandchildren, James I. Bales, Echo Shepheard, Gary L. (wife, Sarah) Bales II; David Palmer, Jennifer (husband, Shannon) Pinkston, Zachary (wife, Abbi) Davis, Blake Davis, and Shelby Davis; and eighteen great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Gwendolyn Bales; his wife, Martha Jane (Boyer) Bales, who passed away on June 17, 2018; one brother; and two sisters.

Family and friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Monday, November 8, 2021, at Elm Ridge Funeral Home, 4600 West Kilgore Avenue, Muncie, Indiana 47304. The visitation will conclude with Military Rites conducted by Veterans of Delaware County Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Second Harvest Food Bank, 6621 Old State Road 3, Muncie, Indiana 47303.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elmridgefuneralhome.com.