Lafayette resident James A. Shoemaker, 77, died September 28, 2020, at IU Health.
Jim was born September 18, 1943, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Albert Shoemaker and Ruth Reene Shoemaker.
He was a graduate of Southwestern High School (1961) and of Purdue University (1965), earning a degree in Electrical Engineering. After college, he worked at Indianapolis Power and Light for five years before spending the bulk of his career at Eli Lilly from which he retired after 29 years.
Jim was an avid collector of antiques, particularly medicine bottles from Eli Lilly. During basketball season, you would be certain to see him at every home game to cheer for the Purdue Men’s Basketball team, which he had been attending for over 75 years. He also loved to spend time outdoors on his John Deere tractor doing yardwork. His love and devotion to his wife of 39 years, Glenda, was evident to all who knew him. The two of them spent much time traveling to anywhere they wanted with a special soft spot for Las Vegas.
He was preceded in death by his father, Albert M. Shoemaker, mother, Ruth Shoemaker and son, James Bradley Shoemaker.
He is survived by his wife, Glenda, children Kenneth Shoemaker (Theresa), Mitzi O’Brien (Terry Cavin), Carla Shoemaker, Angela Walker (Chris); grandchildren Matthew, Alex and Brock Shoemaker, Shelby Ledman (Jason), Patrick O’Brien, Caitlin Burgess (Josh), Hayden and Tyler Walker; great-grandchildren Kylee, Chloe and Connor Ledman.
Visitation from 2-3pm Friday October 2, 2020 with service to follow at 3pm Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel Rev. Joseph Park Jr. officiating. Interment Meadow View Cemetery. You may sign the guest book and leave memories at www.soller-baker.com