Ronnie James

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted...a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”

Branchville, Indiana -

Ronald (Ronnie) E. James was born June 21, 1951, to Willard and Myrtle (Wheatley) James and passed away April 2, 2024, at the age of 72.  He graduated from Perry Central High School in 1969. He joined the United States Army in 1969 and served in Germany for 2 years,  achieving the rank of Sergeant.  On July 1, 1972, he married the love of his life Elizabeth (Beth) Alvey and to this union five children were born, Chad, Robby, Jami, Niki, and Keith.

Ronnie worked for Tell City Chair Company and then spent over 30 years at the Branchville Correctional Facility where he retired with the rank of Captain.   He was awarded the IDOC Hall of Honor by the Correctional Training Institute because of his leadership and how he led his team.  He was honest, treated all staff with respect and motivated others to action. Ronnie was also active at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Leopold and served on the parish council and was an usher.  He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1172.  Ronnie also served as a supervisor for 30 years on the Perry County Soil and Water Conservation District Board.  Ronnie and Beth hosted a No Till Field Day for the board.  He was passionate about conserving our resources and taking care of the land. Ronnie loved his farm and taking care of his crops and animals.  He implemented many of the conservation beliefs on his own farm.

Ronnie and Beth hosted Easter every year for the James and Alvey families which is a lot of people and enjoyed the food, the games and the love of family.  Family was important to Ronnie and his love was shown through practical jokes and funny stories.  He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in their many activities.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Beth, his grandson Noah James, his siblings Larry James, Karen Ann Etienne, Cheryl Lynn Redden, Tina Purcell and Kevin James.

Ronnie is survived by his children: Chad James(Katie Reardon), Robby (Amy) James, Jami (Rodney) Smith, Niki (Doug) Brown, and Keith (Jennifer) James; his grandchildren, Taylor (Hallie) James, Parker James, Eli (Hannah) James, Abigail James, Davin Smith, Trenton Smith, Alea Smith, Logan Brown, Caitlyn Brown, Hayden Brown, Isabelle Brown, Owen James and Brennan James; siblings, Joe Wayne James (Darlene), Kenny James (Donna), Randy James (Rhonda), Earlene "Eny" Preher (Bobbie), Paul James (Anne), and Eletta Bryant (Kyle) as well as several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, April 5th, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with burial in St. Augustine Cemetery.  Rev. Brian Esarey will preside. The visitation will be on Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Friday from 9 a.m. until 10:15 a.m.  at Huber Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Augustine Catholic Church.