James "Jim" Franklin Ross

       It is with great sadness and heavy hearts, we share that James "JIM" Franklin Ross passed away peacefully on May 24th. Jim was born on January 20, 1938, in Gary, Indiana and graduated from Emerson High School in 1956.  Jim graduated from Indiana State in Terre Haute majoring in Education and was a proud member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He went on to get his master’s in business administration in 1962.

       In 1960, he married the love of his life, Judy Price Ross, and together they raised 3 daughters, Joy, Jeanine and Joni in Chesterton, Indiana. He is survived by his wife, Judy, daughters, Joy Mercer (David), Jeanine Pahud (Mike), and Joni Miller (Christopher). His grandchildren, Emily Mercer-Dengler (Riley), Allison Mercer (Dustin Mizelle), Katelyn Bartlett (Nick), Kylie Davis (Brandt), Margaret Wells (Matt), Matthew Miller (Stacey), and Meredith Miller will miss their Papa dearly as will great grandchildren Rory and Cooper Bartlett, Colby Davis, Mavis, Margo, and Samuel Miller.   He is also survived by his sister, Beverly Rink, brother-in-law, Don Price (Peggy) and sister-in-law Wendy Ross. Jim was preceded in death by his parents James and Kitty Ross, his brother, David Ross and brother-in-law Skip Rink.

       Jim began his career at River Forest High School as an Industrial Arts teacher. He then worked for the Duneland School Corporation first as a teacher and coach and then Assistant Superintendent as Director of Special Services until he retired in 1993.

       He was an active member of the Methodist church, and his faith was very important to him. He served on many committees, was an usher, sang in the choir, was head of the trustees when the church's pipe organ was purchased, and professed his love of God openly.

       Jim was an avid sports fan, especially football. He was a huge BEARS fan and followed the team for years.  It was often said he could remember sporting event scores and dates better than he could remember family birthdays. The Indianapolis 500 was a favorite.  He attended many races and followed coverage throughout each month of May. He loved to fish and spent many years coho salmon fishing in Lake Michigan. Jim traveled to Canada many times to fish with dear friends.

       Jim and Judy liked to travel, and they were blessed to have spent 25 years as "snowbirds" in Florida.  Jim didn't know a stranger and made friends wherever he went.  He loved to talk and always had a story to share. The family spent 60 plus summers creating memories with family at Shores Resort in Monticello, Indiana. His grandchildren remember yearly summer vacations with Grammy and Papa. He loved music and spent most evenings before dinner listening to music. The Eagles were a favorite while his girls still lived at home and later he and Judy listened to songs from the 50's. He was an amazing dad and supportive of his girls throughout their lives.

       Jim was a devoted husband and father, an extremely proud Papa and great grandpa who loved his family dearly.  He will be missed by all who know him.  His life was well spent spending time with and loving his family, and he will be remembered for the active role he played in each of their lives. We are blessed because he was in our lives, and grateful for his love and care. His spirit will live forever in our hearts. While we will miss him tremendously, we know he is in Heaven, happy and pain free.

       Visitation is Thursday, May 28th from 4-8pm at White-Love Funeral Home in Chesterton, IN. Funeral is Friday, May 29th  at Chesterton United Methodist Church with visitation 10-11 and  11 funeral. Chesterton is on Central Time.

        In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Chesterton United Methodist Church or VNA Hospice.

Please share your wonderful memories with the family at: www.whitelovefuneralhome.com.

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