James J. Creamer

James J. Creamer, 86, died peacefully surrounded by his family on March 27 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Jim was born on September 12, 1928 in Milford, Massachusetts to Helen (Maguire) and Michael Creamer. He graduated from Hopedale High School (Hopedale, Mass) and in 1950 graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He began reserve officer training for the United States Marine Corp. in 1947 while at Notre Dame. He was a member of the 7th Basic Class, a Class that included P.X. Kelly, the 28th Commandant of the United States Marine Corp. Creamer served aboard the USS Albany, the USS Boxer and escaped injury in an explosion at Quantico, Virginia when several members of his unit were killed. In addition, Creamer was one of 2,000 Marines who participated in an atomic explosion in the Nevada desert as part of a series of atomic tests. Jim married Shirley O'Brien on August 16, 1958 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Indianapolis. A Director for General Motors for 38 years, Jim and Shirley started their family in Harwinton, Connecticut and in 1966 moved to Norwalk, Ohio, where they resided for nearly 40 years. A devo...[more]

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Catholic, Jim prayed the rosary daily, and he and Shirley attended daily Mass and participated in the Sacraments together as often as they could. Their Catholic faith led them on a variety of pilgrimages, among them-- Rome, Lourdes, Israel, and the Holy Land. Creamer's parents, sister, Helen Shimkus, and brother, Jack Creamer, Captain USN preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Shirley, their six children Jim (Patti) Creamer, Mary Ann, John (Molly) Creamer, Catherine (Charlie) Haddad, Christine (Jeff) Marsella, Colleen (Marc) Ward; 16 grandchildren, Sean, Lauren and Jimmy Creamer; Claire, Kelleen and Jack Haddad; Kelly, John, Ryan and Jack Marsella; and Jimmy, Mary Kate, Christian & Gracie Ward; his sister-in-law, Joan O'Brien and many nieces and nephews. Arrangements have been entrusted to Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel. Visitation will be from 10-11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 30 at St. Luke's Catholic Church, 7575 Holiday Drive, Indianapolis. The Funeral Mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. Burial will take place at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Cemetery, Indianapolis. In lieu of flowers please consider making donations in Jim's memory to the Little Sisters of the Poor or to St. Luke's Catholic Church.