James M. Stutz

James M. Stutz, 91, of Fishers, passed away at home on Saturday, April 9, 2022.  He was born on December 3rd, 1930 in Columbus, IN to the late Harold F. and Clara A. (Mitten) Stutz.  James relocated with his family to the eastside of Indianapolis at a young age and graduated in 1948 from Howe High School.  He excelled in scholastics and athletics, playing both football and basketball.

James went on to graduate with his B.S. from DePauw University and M.S. from Butler University.  During this time, he married his high school sweetheart, Patricia J. Warner; they would have celebrated 70 years of marriage June 15^th of this year.

In 1952 James enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a General’s Aid, and was discharged in 1955 with the rank of Second Lieutenant.  Following his military service, he came back to Howe High School and taught biology and physical education and coached varsity basketball for 21 years.

Howe’s basketball team won sectional championships in 1964, 1966 and 1979, a regional championship in 1964 and the Indianapolis city championship in 1966.  The 1966 team was ranked #1 in the state going into the state tournament and beat the famous Rick Mount of Lebanon for the 4^th consecutive year.

James stayed involved in the community after coaching by opening a sporting goods store in Irvington and operating that with wife Patricia from 1980 to 1983.  He retired in 1995 as the head of the athletic department for IPS.  He was presented with the Sagamore of the Wabash award in 1995 and was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999.

As a youngster, James spent summers down on the farm in southern Indiana.  He had great admiration for his grandfather and developed an interest in farming and horses.   As an adult, he enjoyed building a barn with his father Harold and then raising his horses and ponies, always willing to give rides to the children in the neighborhood.

James also enjoyed playing golf.  He coached it some at Howe and got his boys involved at an early age.  He was a voracious reader his entire life, taking notes on what he read and never wanting to stop learning.

James was a very involved father, participating in Indian Guides with all 3 sons and coaching little league baseball and Peace Games basketball teams.   He was patient and tolerant and loved to talk to strangers when out in public.  James never stopped being a husband, father and grandfather checking up on and worrying about everyone in his family.

James is survived by his wife, Patricia Stutz; sons Jim Stutz, Jay (Laura) Stutz and Jon (Theresa) Stutz; grandchildren Jaxon, Jason, Sophia, Heather and Holly; and sister Marjorie (Louis) Carr.  He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Clara (Mitten) Stutz, sister Patricia (Robert) Goyer and grandson Jeremy.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 18, 2022 from 4-8 pm at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East.  Additional visitation will take place on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 from 1-2 pm with funeral services immediately following, also at the funeral home.  James will be laid to rest with military honors at Washington Park East Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project or Best Buddies Program of Indiana are encouraged.