James "Jim" Louis Fohl

James “Jim” Fohl (91) died on December 17, 2020 (his wife’s birthday) surrounded by family. He was born on August 17, 1929 to Aloysius and Evelyn (Jonas) Fohl in Batesville, IN. He married Ruth “Janet” Hoffrogge (the love of his life) on April 7, 1956, and they lived happily together in Cedar Grove, IN for nearly 57 years. They moved to Indianapolis in 2014, where they made new friends at St. Pius X Church and Traditions at Solana. Jim moved to The Forum in 2015 where once again he made new friends with his great sense of humor. Jim graduated from Whitewater High School and served his country in the Marines from 1951-1953. After leaving the service, Jim worked with his dad at AJ Fohl & Sons Grocery in Cedar Grove, Indiana. They operated Fohl’s Rolling Store for many years delivering groceries to rural customers, many of whom became cherished friends. Jim and his brother Paul purchased the business from his dad and eventually Jim became the sole owner and ran it with the help of his wife and children. Jim and Janet prioritized involving their children in the most important aspects of their lives, including attending church as a family at Holy Guardian Angels and working together at Fohl’s Food Mart and Catering. Jim later became a successful real estate agent working for both Grady and West Shell Realtors. He was a charter member of the Cedar Grove Volunteer Fire Department and EMS. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and for many years helped maintain the Holy Guardian Angels Cemetery. His hobbies included dancing, bowling, working crossword puzzles, golfing, and listening to Cincinnati Reds baseball. Jim was always up for a game of cards and there are some legendary stories of marathon Pinochle matches with his brothers. He was a strong advocate and mentor to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He took immense pride in the fact that, through his and Janet’s support, all of his children graduated from college. One of his greatest joys was gathering with family and friends. Much to Jim’s delight, most of these gatherings included playing cards. Jim is survived by his children, Jim (Cecilia) Fohl of Indianapolis, IN, Nick (Lisa) Fohl of Indianapolis, IN, Mike (Karen) Fohl of North Bend, OH, Julie (Doug) Proud of Cincinnati, OH, Beth Fohl Bailey of Westerville, OH, and Shelly (Kevin) Lindley of Indianapolis, IN. He adored spending time with his 18 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren: Alex Fohl, Zach (Megan) Fohl and daughters Lilyana and Raelynd, Lauren (Ian) Hasson, Liz Fohl, Eric Fohl; Robert Fohl , Brian Fohl, Jennifer Fohl; Benjamin Proud, Cassandra Proud; Laura (Kevin) Schmidt, Rachel Bailey, Brendon Bailey (son Asher), Devon Bailey, Kayleigh Bailey; Kaitlyn (Kirk) Sorensen, Sarah Lindley & Madison Lindley. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Janet; his parents, Evelyn and Aloysius; his stepmother Clara Fohl, and his brothers (Paul, Bob, and Al). Due to COVID concerns, a Celebration of Life Service will be held at a date yet to be determined. The family would like to thank the Forum at the Crossing and ALL the staff in the Bridge to Rediscovery wing for providing loving care as well as fun and engaging activities that he enjoyed over the last five years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Alzheimer's Association (Greater Indiana Chapter), 50 E. 91st Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240 (website link: https://www.alz.org/indiana) or to the Holy Guardian Angels Cemetery (please note HGA cemetery in memo) – made payable to St. Michaels Archangel Catholic Church 145 St. Michael Blvd., Brookville, Indiana 47012. Arrangements are being handled by Feeney-Hornak Keystone Mortuary.