James "Jim" Neil Cooley

Family Tribute

James Neil Cooley, 88, of Indianapolis, passed away on August 15, 2024, in his home. James “Jim” Cooley was born on April 24, 1936, in Indianapolis, the son of Altas and Mary Cooley. He married the late Barbara Jewell (White) Cooley on July 12, 1957, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is survived by his two daughters, Debra (Richard) Corder of Poland, Indiana and Diane Back of Indianapolis, Indiana: one son, James D. Cooley of Indianapolis, Indiana; Six grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren, and sister-in-law, Carolyn Tolle. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Barbara, and one great-granddaughter. In his early years, Jim worked as a mechanic for Lark’s Auto and later transitioned to become a Department of National Resource Officer until he retired. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and a phenomenal grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved fishing, westerns, car repairs, small engine repairs, and anything he could tinker with. Most of all, he loved and was loved by all that were blessed to be in his presence.

A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, August 19, 2024, at 12:00pm at his graveside in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family. The family has entrusted Norman F. Chance Family Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Jim’s life. Memories or photos may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at WWW.CHANCEFUNERALHOME.COM

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James "Jim" Neil Cooley, please visit our floral store.