James E. Dankert

James E. Dankert of Noblesville, Indiana, passed away onJanuary 31, 2016 from complications from cancer. Jim was born on July 17, 1922 in Waukegan,Illinois to the late Edward W. and Ellen A. Dankert. He was a 1940 graduate ofArsenal Technical High School and a 1948 graduate of Purdue University in civilengineering having enrolled as a participant in the U.S. Navy V12 program. During WWII, Jim served in the U.S. Navy, U.S.Naval Construction Forces (Seabees), stationed in the Azores.

Jim met andmarried the former Ruth Gertrude Nolting in 1946. They were happily married for 63 years. They had many interests which included acircle of close friends, their bridge club, the Riviera Club dance group andBlatchley Nature Club. Having initiallykept boats at the Carrigan Docks on Morse Reservoir prior to its residentialdevelopment, they eventually built their “cabin in the woods” at MorseReservoir in 1976 and from that time enjoyed years of pleasure in theirlakeside life.

Havingbegun working during high school for Paul I. Cripe, first as a draftsman ofhouse plans and surveys, Jim began full time service with Cripe in 1940, thenfollowing the war and graduation from college, became a full partner in 1948. He stayed with the firm his entire professionalcareer, a period of 57 years, through his retirement in 1992 and subsequentconsulting services. During his careerwith Cripe, Jim served in many roles, including as President, but he was alwayskeenly interested in the survey crews, where he had begun his career and wherehe oversaw so many changes resulting from rapidly developing technology andcomputerization. . During these years hewas privileged to participate in many of the important real estate developmentprojects of the time, which included work for the Indianapolis Water Company,Shorewood Corporation and College Park. Among many others, the company developed plats and plans for thedevelopment of Eagledale, North Willow Farms and for Morse and Geist Reservoirs.

Energeticin all of his activities including those outside the office, Jim enjoyed woodworking,fishing, hunting, boating and, probably among sports, above all, bowling, wherehe was a member of the Real Estate Bowling League for over 50 years. He was amember of or associated with numerous organizations and clubs, but among others,was President of the Builder’s Association, Secretary Treasurer of the PontiacGame Club (Chapeau, Quebec) and was an examiner and member of the Indiana Boardof Registration for Land Surveyors. During his retirement he was an active volunteer at the IndianaTransportation Museum and at the woodworking shops at Connor Prairie. For most of his adult life, Jim was adedicated member of various unofficial breakfast clubs, first at Knobby’sRestaurant, now a memory, and thereafter at Just Judy’s. Jim made friends wherever he went with a drysense of humor and an outgoing nature. He will be sorely missed by family and friends.

He issurvived by his brothers Russell and Curt; by daughters Shari Lynn (Charles) Aldousand Joanne Marie Dankert; by son Gary J. (Gina) Dankert and by fivegrandchildren. He was preceded in deathby his parents; by his wife; by his brother William; and by an infant son David.

Funeral services will be held SaturdayFebruary 6 at 12:00 p.m. at Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Center- Carmel, wherea calling will be held the same day beginning at 10:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to theIndiana Transportation Museum.