"Our family has known Bill and Will over the years with Carmel Lacrosse. It's obvious Jim did a great job raising his son and grandson to excel in all aspects of life. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. The Tomalia Family"
In loving memory of
James W. Padgett
June 28, 1936 - February 14, 2017
James W. "Jim" Padgett,
80, of Carmel departed this life Tuesday, February 14, 2017. Jim was born June 28, 1936 in Terhune, IN to the late Willard and Beulah (Nichols) Padgett. He graduated in 1954 from Carmel High School, where he played basketball, football and track and was named the outstanding athlete of his senior class. Jim earned his political science degree in 1958 from Wabash College, where he also played basketball. He then worked in management for L.S. Ayers and for many years at Ayr-way, rising to Vice President before he left to own a Carmel sporting goods store. While with Ayr-way, he was one of the first U.S. business executives to enter communist China. He was a member of Carmel United Methodist Church and Kiwanis International. Jim was involved with the establishment of The Carmel Dad's Club, and dedicated many years to the growth and development of Carmel youths through sport, especially basketball and football. Jim was incredibly supportive of his children and grandchildren in all of their endeavors.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Barbara Padgett; children, Tim (Yola) Padgett, Mary Ann (Jeff) Knecht and Bill (Libby) Padgett; grandchildren, Jake, Macey, Tomás, Bailey, Sophia, Lauryn and Will, and a host of dear friends and grateful people in Carmel.
Visitation for Jim will be from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 19th at Leppert Mortuary Smith Carmel Chapel. A Memorial service will begin at 2:30 pm at the mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in support of scholarships at Wabash College, c/o Advancement Office, P.O. Box 352, Crawfordsville, IN 47933 (or https://www.wabash.edu/giving). Online Memorial tributes are available at: www.leppertmortuary.com
Tributes
"I was fortunate to have known the Padgett family when I was a new teacher at Carmel Junior High! Bill played sports, Mary Ann cheered and Barb and Jim were always there supporting their children! My condolences on your loss, but Barb and Jim's family are a tribute to a life will lived! Steve Dillon"