Obituary for James Ernest Lucas
James E. Lucas, age 95, of Knox, passed away Sunday, January 21, 2018 at Brentwood Assistant Living of LaPorte. James was born May 14, 1922 at Bass Station, Indiana. His parents were Elmer and Gladys Lucas. He married Carris J. Theobald on January 8, 1944 and she preceded him in death June 2016.
James graduated from Knox High School in 1940 and Purdue University in 1943 with a degree in Animal Science. While at Purdue he joined ROTC and upon graduation entered the military. He served in the Army during World War II with an artillery group within the Mars Task Force in China, Burma and India, and he was awarded a Bronze Star. His service to our country left a huge impact on him, and he detailed his war experiences in a book, a copy of which is in the Starke County Museum.
James is well-remembered by many in the community as a teacher of middle school math and science at California Township Schools and Knox Middle School. He taught for many years, retiring in 1985. While teaching, he also coached a variety of sports. In his later years, he and Carris established a scholarship fund to continue their impact on education.
In addition to teaching, James raised sheep and his sheep farm was one of the largest in the state at that time. With his love of all animals, he was very involved with the Starke County 4-H program as a club leader and a part of the Starke County Livestock Committee for many years.
James was a life-long member of the Knox United Methodist Church, where he served faithfully on various committees as well as helped with the construction of the current building.
James is survived by a son, Merlyn (Susan) of Knox, 6 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carris, a son, Marcus, a daughter, Carolyn, and a sister, Marian Kelly.
Visitation will be Friday, January 26, 2018 from 4-7pm (CT) at Knox United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 11am (CT), with visitation one hour prior to services, at Knox United Method Church followed by burial at Crown Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Northern Indiana Community Foundation James and Carris Lucas Scholarship Fund. M.C. Smith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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James graduated from Knox High School in 1940 and Purdue University in 1943 with a degree in Animal Science. While at Purdue he joined ROTC and upon graduation entered the military. He served in the Army during World War II with an artillery group within the Mars Task Force in China, Burma and India, and he was awarded a Bronze Star. His service to our country left a huge impact on him, and he detailed his war experiences in a book, a copy of which is in the Starke County Museum.
James is well-remembered by many in the community as a teacher of middle school math and science at California Township Schools and Knox Middle School. He taught for many years, retiring in 1985. While teaching, he also coached a variety of sports. In his later years, he and Carris established a scholarship fund to continue their impact on education.
In addition to teaching, James raised sheep and his sheep farm was one of the largest in the state at that time. With his love of all animals, he was very involved with the Starke County 4-H program as a club leader and a part of the Starke County Livestock Committee for many years.
James was a life-long member of the Knox United Methodist Church, where he served faithfully on various committees as well as helped with the construction of the current building.
James is survived by a son, Merlyn (Susan) of Knox, 6 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carris, a son, Marcus, a daughter, Carolyn, and a sister, Marian Kelly.
Visitation will be Friday, January 26, 2018 from 4-7pm (CT) at Knox United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 11am (CT), with visitation one hour prior to services, at Knox United Method Church followed by burial at Crown Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Northern Indiana Community Foundation James and Carris Lucas Scholarship Fund. M.C. Smith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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Previous Events
Visitation
Friday
26
Jan
4:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
Knox United Methodist Church
201 S. Shield St.
knox, IN 46534
Visitation
Saturday
27
Jan
10:00 AM
- 11:00 AM
Knox United Methodist Church
201 S. Shield St.
knox, IN 46534
Service
Saturday
27
Jan
11:00 AM
- 12:00 PM
Knox United Methodist Church
201 S. Shield St.
knox, IN 46534
Cemetery Details
Location
Crown Hill Cemetery
1200 E. Lake St.
Knox, IN 46534
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