James Inman "Jim" Narmore Jr.

Much loved James Inman Narmore Jr. formally of New Palestine entered into eternal rest on January 1, 2023 at the age of 67 in Greenwood, Indiana. Jim (also known as J.) was born on February 26, 1955 in the south elevator of St Francis Hospital in Beech Grove, Indiana. He was born to James Inman Narmore, Sr. and Nina “Peggy” Messer. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, his brother in law, Mike Board, and his baby brother, “Little John” Narmore.  

Surviving and cherishing Jim’s memory are his sisters, Retha (Earl) Matthews of Heath, Ohio, Beverly Board of Indianapolis, and Kathy (John) Vanderveen of Indianapolis, as well as two nephews, Garry Smith and Elie Matthews, and niece, Addie Matthews. He is also survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Cheryl Spalding. 

Jim’s greatest source of joy and pride was his five children who survive and miss him dearly; Reanna (Nathan) Bechdolt of Greenwood, Heather Riggins of Bloomington, Jamie (Joey) Inskeep of New Palestine, Sarah (Brandon) Greenawalt of South Bend, and James (Lorelei) Narmore III of West Park, Florida. Papaw Jim’s love and pride multiplied over the past 17 years with the addition of his 11 grandchildren (Eston, Audrey, Evelyn, Samuel, Oliver, Faith, Elliott, Alice, Theo, Wyatt and Emmett). 

Jim grew up on the southside of Indianapolis and graduated from Emmerich Manual High School in 1973. A talented football player, he briefly played for the minor football league team, the Indy Bears. He spent many years working as the glazing manager/supervisor for the family business, Circle City Glass, in downtown Indianapolis before pursuing his dream as a professional photographer. Jim started J. Narmore Photography after studying at Winona International School of Professional Photography and photographing the country western entertainment circuit for 5 years. This included the opportunity to shoot for Rolling Stone magazine, Music City News and the privilege of covering the Farm Aid show in the Hoosier Dome. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to expand with Jim’s Formal Wear and Once Upon a Bride before moving from New Palestine, Indiana to St. Petersburg, Florida. 

His move allowed him to reconnect with his lifelong childhood best friend, John (and Pastor Mary) Haley of Redington Shores, Florida. John’s faithful friendship supported Jim in innumerable ways throughout his life. Jim was grateful for the ways his relationship with Jesus grew through Connect2Christ Church in Seminole, Florida. 

Jim had just moved back to Greenwood, Indiana in October of 2022 in order to be closer to more of his family, who are so grateful for the new memories that were made in three short but sweet months before his health declined. 

Jim loved live music (especially rockabilly), his old Harley Davidson named “Pearl,” Notre Dame football, telling jokes, combining LemonDrops and Hot Tamales (try it!), Great Pyrenees dogs, talking to strangers, the Florida Gulf Coast, Sharpies, praying with his children during any goodbye (even when just departing Frosty Boy), delighting in his grandchildren and glorifying “the Good Lord.” We can see him making people laugh, taking naps on picnic tables, swimming and singing the praises of those lucky enough to be called his children and grandchildren. He was steadfast in his love for us. 

A Celebration of Life Open House for Jim will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm at Church 52, 8220 Brookville Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46239.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Riley Hospital, Empowering Indy, or Connect2Christ Church. 

Online condolences at www.bellmortuary.com

Arrangements handled by Bell Mortuary & Crematory, Shangrila Chapel, 1444 West US Hwy 52, Fountaintown, IN  46130.

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