James Scharfenberger
May 20, 1934 - May 16, 2020
Obituary
James Alan Scharfenberger, 85, of Indianapolis passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2020. He was born in New Albany, IN to Cletus John Scharfenberger and Lucile S. Sweeney on May 20, 1934. James served in the United States Army for five years. He was a member of the American Legion and St. Michael the Archangel Parish. James was a Director of Research and Development with ITW Ransburg. Watching the Chicago Bears football games was a spiritual experience for James. He enjoyed coaching football and had for 12 years at St. Michael's. James liked working on Crossword Puzzles, playing poker and bridge, playing golf and going fishing, especially with his grandkids. James had a passion for reading history books and watching WWII movies and documentaries. He loved attending his children and grandchildren's sporting events. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Joseph J. Scharfenberger; brother, John Scharfenberger;sister, Nancy Hagan; and granddaughter, Haley Boltz. Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 63 years, Dee Ann Kinney; daughters, Julianna (James) Newland, Janis (Mark) Boltz, Jodee (Rusty) Crace and Jennifer (Ryan) Snyder; his son, James (Patty) Scharfenberger II; granddaughters, Christine Scharfenberger and Megan Snyder; grandsons, James Scharfenberger III, William (Nick) Scharfenberger, R.J. Crace, Tyler Crace, Colton Crace, Cody Crace, Matthew Boltz, Alex Boltz, Patrick Newland and Gavin Snyder; great granddaughter, Sophia Jones; and twenty four nieces and nephews. Memorial Contributions can be made to the Indianapolis Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) https://cyoarchindy.org, click on “Donate to CYO”.
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Memories
LM
laura mcnally
Other •
Lit a candle in memory of James Scharfenberger
RC
Roger Cedoz
Other •
Jim was a pioneer in the field of electrostatic application equipment and provided his extensive know how willingly. I worked with Jim on patent matters during his retirement years. While his knowledge of this technology was great, it was exceeded by his friendly manner and care for people in his work. Dee and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace, dear friend. Roger Cedoz
CS
Christine Scharfenberger
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Grandpa, you were truly one of a kind. We all had so many great times and memories. I remember you at our school for Grandparents Days, all the times we stayed with you over the years when my parents were on trips, the special places we got to go with you, riding in the big Lincoln Towncar that just felt like it floated all the way to Florida or Alabama. I'll never forget the very distinct smell of you car, the small trashbag with only coughdrop wrappers inside. You'd always take us to the carwash with you and chant "Going through the brushes". You made up a song for each of us when we were little, I sure wish I could hear it now! In my teenage years, if I came to you with a problem, you just fixed it.
You never made me feel how disappointed you might have been. You always had a story or a trick for the little kids, so very thoughtful! You were just enthralled by your great-granddaughter, never blinked an eye at her skin color!! Every time she came over you put her on your knee and fed her icecream. A tradition that never stopped, she just couldn't fit on your knee any more. We talked politics and life so much over these past several months with you in the rehab with me. Your insights, experiences, and wisdom were so valuable. I wish I could have traded places with you. I wish I could have protected you. Life will never be the same without you. We'll certainly keep your memory alive, and love you forever. <3
DH
Dan Hughey
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I had the privilege of working with Jim at ITW Ransburg. He was a mentor to many, including myself. Like some truly great and influential people he was a humble person. Dee, my condolences to you and the family. He will be missed by many.
KW
Karen Hatfield Walters
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Jim was an incredible boss and friend for many years - I always enjoyed being around him and truly valued his advice and guidance over the years. So very sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers to Dee Ann and the rest of the family.
DK
Dale Kinney
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I always enjoyed Uncle Jim’s calm demeanor. He seem to have an impeccable business sense also. One of the last conversations we had he encouraged me to continue with my masters degree and further goals in life, and to be the best person I could be.
The one thing that everyone really could see is he was loved by his family. He was loved and adored by his wife Deann. Thank you for being a good uncle, and mentor to many.
Dale Kinney