James McMechan

James McMechan

September 14, 1962 - December 23, 2024

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Obituary

James Michael McMechan Obituary:

 

James Michael McMechan was born September 14, 1962, to Charla Joy Major McMechan and James Arthur McMechan.  He grew up on a Union County, Indiana farm.  Growing up he was very active in 4-H, holding numerous leadership positions and awards including Grand Champion of the Demonstration/Public Speaking contest at the Indiana State Fair.  He was honored as a 10-year active 4-H participant. He was a National Merit Scholar and Valedictorian of the Union County High School Class of 1981. Four years later, he received a degree in accounting from Butler University in Indianapolis where he earned a top ten designation for academic achievement, was president of his senior class, and was an active member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity which he served as treasurer for three years.

 

Following graduation, Jim worked at Ernst and Young as a Senior Tax Manager for nine years and worked at Anthem since 1995 - ending his career as a Staff Vice President of Tax. Throughout his career, Jim was actively involved with the Indiana CPA Society and the Tax Executives Institute. Besides his subject matter expertise, Jim prided himself in his skills as a people-focused manager and took great care with his team over the years many of whom became close friends.

 

Jim routinely gave his time and resources to support the communities he was a part of and causes he believed in. He was active with Child Advocates and St. Christopher's Catholic Church. He was an avid Cincinnati Reds, Butler Basketball, and Indy Eleven fan. He was also a loving brother and uncle and an incredibly supportive father. Jim attended both of his children's school and sports events throughout the years, regularly helping with the scorebook and stats at soccer, basketball, baseball, and lacrosse games. He accompanied Joni to Miss America events, traveled to St. Louis and Tallahassee and NYU Zoom to watch Mac perform in plays, visited Eric and Boe in Atlanta where he dutifully played fetch and tug with his grand-dog, and recently enjoyed sharing time in Anna Maria Island with Andrew as he worked on his first novel. 

 

Jim is survived by his children Mac McMechan and Eric McMechan, his sister, Joni Checchia, his brother-in-law, Paul Checchia, and his nephew, Andrew Checchia. He is preceded in death by both of his parents.

 

A memorial visitation is taking place at Stevens Mortuary at 5520 W 10th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana on January 2, 2025, from 4-8pm and services will take place at St. Christopher Catholic Church at 5301 W 16th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana on January 3, 2025, at 10am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to Child Advocates (childadvocates.net).

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CW
Christina Wiste
Other •
This is Chris Wiste, Paul Checchia's sister. On behalf of myself, my husband Leighton and our daughter Gina, we want to say that we are so sorry for this loss. We had the pleasure of meeting Joni's brother Jim a few times over the years- at Paul and Joni's wedding, at Andrew's baptism, First Communion and high school graduation. He was very easy to talk to, had a great sense of humor, and nice person to be around. The only thing that we regret is that we didn't get to spend more time with him. Joni, Mac and Eric, just know that our hearts go out to all of you. We will be donating to the charity that Jim worked with in his name. Godspeed.
CL
Chris LaFollette
Other •
I worked with Jim for 17 years. He was the kindest person I think I've ever known. Jim did so much more for others than he did for himself. He was also one of the best tax technicians I've ever known and is well known the tax community as such. He was well respected within the company as well and was often sought out to help solve challenging problems. Jim was a friend to all. Always welcoming new associates and taking time to make sure they get to know everyone by making introductions and including them in activities. When we gathered for our holiday parties, it was Jim who made sure every detail was considered and even bought "door prizes" for everyone. We will miss Jim dearly as he definitely left a hole in our team, but I take solace in the fact that he's with his parents again.
MT
Mary Jo Thomas
Other •
Our families grew up together in Union county. We went to many Civic Theater performances and our parents were life long friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joni and the rest of the family during this difficult time. Love, Earl & Carolyn Ballinger, Mary Jo, Beth, & Rob and families.
BH
Becky Holsinger
Other •
I remember James most from Union Co. 4-H. I would like to extend my condolences to Joni and all the family. Becky Turner Holsinger
JM
Jonathan McAfee
Other •
Jimmy was my best friend in grade school through high school and we did many things together from playing with the Mets minor league baseball team to 4H to high school basketball stats. We hung out together, and sometimes just cruised Liberty in his car he got from his Dad. Jimmy was always a great friend - the best kind of friend. Always supportive and always forgiving. To be honest, I'm surprised he never became a senator, governor or president, to be honest. He had that kind of drive. That's why his passing was such a shock to me. I thought he would go on forever. Jimmy - I'm sorry we didn't keep in touch, and I hope life was good for you. May you rest in peace, and we'll see you on the other side. - Jon
ML
Megan Lansden
Other •
I worked with Jim for over 15 years as part of the EY team working with Elevance. He was such a kind man and endlessly patient with questions, especially from a newbie auditor. He was so proud of Mac and Eric and told me many, many stories over the years about what they were up to and when he’d get to see them next. He loved his family, his team at Elevance, and his church family. He was a wonderful guy to work with all these years, and I will miss him greatly. I imagine him holding court in heaven, watching baseball, telling stories, and making people feel welcome.

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