James Limp, Jr., 91, passed away on April 9, 2018, in Lebanon, Ind., after a brief illness. He was born on October 26, 1926, in Birdseye, Ind., to James C. and Anna Marie (Holzbog) Limp.

Jim grew up on farms in Birdseye and Whiteland. He graduated from Whiteland High School in 1944. His education at Purdue University was interrupted after he was drafted into the Army during World War II. At the end of 1946, Jim was discharged and eventually returned to Purdue with the help of the G.I. Bill. He graduated from Purdue University in 1951 with a degree in Chemistry.

Jim worked in management for Eli Lilly for 36 years. He enjoyed every moment he worked at Eli Lilly and always held the company in the highest regard.

Jim married his "Miss America," Mary Jane Williams, on November 17, 1957. For the next 60 years, they lived in Zionsville, Indianapolis, and Lebanon. They raised three children; John, Maryann, and Bob. Jim loved his family unconditionally and was very active in their lives. He coached little league sports for 25 years, attending all his kids' sports events and musical programs. He was a Cub Scout leader and PTO President and gave wonderful advice to his children.

Jim retired from Eli Lilly in 1986 and started a whole new career of volunteering for the next 31 years. He volunteered every Friday at Witham Hospital for 31 years and also served on administrative boards for Witham Hospital. He and Mary Jane also donated money for the Extended Care Unit at Witham Hospital. Jim served 30 years at SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives), giving small business advice to aspiring entrepreneurs.

Jim knew the value of an education, so he and Mary Jane gave money to start the ReadUP program in Boone County. Jim volunteered every Wednesday, tutoring two elementary school students.

In recognition of Jim's volunteer service, he was given the "Golden Hoosier Award for the State of Indiana" in 2009 by Indiana Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman. Jim was named one of the United Way of Central Indiana 100 Heroes in 2018.

Jim loved Purdue University. He listened, watched, and attended many Purdue football and basketball games over the years. He enjoyed attending the Rose Bowl when Purdue played in 2001. He and Mary Jane have funded several scholarships for students to attend Purdue.

Jim also enjoyed playing golf at Ulen Country Club and raising a huge vegetable garden with loads of tomatoes each year. He also took pleasure in all the friends he made at the Indianapolis Round Table for Veterans.

Jim was a member of the First Baptist Church in Lebanon and served on several boards and as an usher for many years. He was also a Mason and a member of the Elks.

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Jane, son John Limp of Indianapolis, daughter Dr. Maryann (Scott) Bridge of Columbus, Ind., son Bob (Diane) Limp of Wildwood, Mo.; five grandchildren, Megan and Ryan Bridge; Collin (Cadet, West Point, United States Army), Lauren, and Drew Limp; brother Kenny Limp, sister-in-law Jeane Limp; nieces DiAnn Riley, Pam Busch, and Janis Koons; and nephews Tom Smith and Larry Smith. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Steven Bridge, brothers John Limp and Hugo Limp, sister Helen Jarrell; sisters-in-law Rosalie Limp and Betty Jo Limp; brothers-in-law George Smith and Jack Jarrell; and nephews Gary Limp, David Limp, and Gerald Limp.

His family would like to thank the kind and caring staff at Witham Hospital, especially Doctors Strong, Brewster, Wilson, Huffer, and Kirk; and nurses Tammy, Tabitha, Holly, and Brandy.
Family and Friends with gather Friday, April 20, 2018 for visitation from 5-8 p.m. with the funeral service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 21, at Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 Lebanon Street, Lebanon, Indiana 46052. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to UWCI-Boone County ReadUP, 221 N. Lebanon St., Lebanon, IN 46052; or Witham Health Services Foundation, 2705 N. Lebanon St., Suite 115, Lebanon, IN 46052; or to the donor's favorite charity.