James "Jim" Claude Dean

James Claude “Jim” Dean passed away December 22, 2021, after several years of ill health.  He was born July 15, 1958, in Michigan City, Indiana, to John and Marie (Hamilton) Dean who, along with his older brother William, and step-brother, John, preceded him in death.

Jim worked maintenance for apartment complexes, in addition to providing home repairs for many people.  He was active in Boy Scouts as a youth, and as a leader in Troops 97, 500 and 828, serving as Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Merit Badge counselor, and in any other task needed.  He was an adult Firecrafter, and earned Brotherhood in the Order of the Arrow.  He also served as a Deacon at John Knox Presbyterian Church, and helped with maintenance/painting projects, and the establishing of a peace garden at the church.

He loved camping, car shows, wood turning, and reading, and loved sharing his talents with others.  He would frequently make gifts of his turning projects to friends, family and staff in the many hospitals he stayed in.

Jim is survived by his sister, Alice (Ron) Doran; his wife, Patricia Irwin, mother-in-law Joan Irwin; his step-children Stephanie (John) Phillips and grandson, Westin; Jennifer Harris and granddaughter MacKenzie; Jason Holmes; sisters-in-law Janet Irwin, MaryJo (Kevin) McMullen, and Susan (Harold) Brown, step-sister-in-law Janet Dean, and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 26, at 1pm at John Knox Presbyterian Church, 3000 N. High School Road, Indianapolis, 46224.  The service will be preceded by visitation with the family from 11am to 1pm. To view the service via Live Stream please follow this link https://johnknox.org/

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to John Knox Presbyterian Church for use in Youth Ministries, or your favorite cat shelter.