James Oscar Mechem, Jr

Anderson....James Oscar Mechem, Jr, 96, former resident of Middletown, passed away February 3, 2008 at Community Hospital in Anderson.He was born in Hillisburg, IN, January 28, 1912, the son of James O. and Jessie June Mechem.He retired from Delco Remy in 1972 serving as Foreman in Plants 3, 11, and 15 and all the warehouses, and lived in Middletown for many years.He was a 60 year member of Beard Lodge F & AM 641 of Frankfort, 50 year member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Indianapolis and Masonic Shrine of Indianapolis, 50 year member of the Elks of Anderson, and served 4 terms on the Middletown/Fall Creek Library Board as well as the Middletown Civic Center Board of Directors, and the Middletown Historical Society.He belonged to the Indiana Senior Golf Association, and was a trustee of the Middletown United Methodist Church.He was preceded in death by his wife: Thelma Mechem, father and mother, sister: Lela and brother Paul.Survivors include his son: Larry (Nancy) Mechem of Noblesville, daughters: Marcia (Ralph) Haight of California, Linda (John) Oakes of Florida and Paula (Jim) Ramsey of Middletown, grandchildren: L.J. Mechem (Melanie) of Anderson, Mike Mechem (Renee') of Nevada, Lori Mechem Spencer (Roger) of Tennessee, Scott Mechem (Tammy) of Indiana, John P. Oakes (Kathi) and Dawn Oakes of Florida, Scott Ramsey (Amy) of Tennessee and Lynn Uptgraft (Scott) of Indiana, 12 great grandchildern: Tyler and Lexi Mechem, Zane and Jack Mechem, Nicholas Mechem, John D. Oakes, Kelly Oakes, Payton Ramsey, Carly Ramsey, Jessica Ramsey and Elle and Erik Uptgraft.Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 3:00 PM at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home, 118 South 5th, Middletown with Rev. Marty Ballard officiating.Burial will follow in Miller Cemetery in Middletown.Friend may call from 1-3 on Thursday at the funeral home.Memorials may be made to the Nashville Jazz or the Middletown Library.Online Guestbook at: www.ballardandsons.com