James William Small, age 73, of Lebanon, passed away on August 24, 2017 following a brief illness. He was born on October 16, 1943 in Kokomo to the late Otis and Helen (Ferver) Small.

Jim graduated from Jefferson Township High School in 1961. On March 21,1964, he married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn S. Winslow. They celebrated their 52th wedding anniversary in 2016.

His career in the insurance industry brought Jim fulfillment and lifelong friends. Most notably in the early 1980's at American States Insurance where his team developed an automated commercial lines computer system that is still in use today.

In 1996, Jim suffered a severe brain injury which required many years of medical treatment and rehabilitation. With the love and support of his wife and family, he lived a productive and comfortable life. He worked part time at Witham Memorial Hospital for over ten years, where he was known for his jovial attitude and Peppermint Patties. He shared his love of knitting by making hundreds of baby hats for Witham's Maternity Center.

Jim's children and grandchildren were his passion and delight. He enjoyed attending their many activities and was one of their biggest cheerleaders.

Jim was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he volunteered for vacation bible school, The Shalom House and many other church events.

He is survived by his three children, Amy (Rick) Hammerle of Lebanon; Alan (Kim Swisher) Small of Noblesville; and Alyssa (Chris) Lagoni of Kokomo; grandchildren Jacob Small, Connor Hammerle, Jimmy Small, Anna Small, Rachel Small, Sara Hammerle, Lauren Lagoni, Kaitlyn Lagoni and Rebecca Lagoni; sisters Emmanell Dunn, Tipton; Shirley Bush, Kansas City; Susie (Dan) Fulton, Kokomo; and brother, Robert Small, Kokomo.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; his parents; brother, Stanley "Bud" Small; sister, JoAnn (Small) Scott and granddaughter, Megan Hammerle.

The family will receive friends and family on Thursday, August 31 from 4-8 pm at Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon. A service celebrating Jim's life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2625 Elm Swamp Road, Lebanon on Friday, September 1 at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Tetersburg Christian Church cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to Boone County Senior Services, Inc., 515 Crown Pointe Drive, Lebanon IN 46052 or the Megan Hammerle Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Community Foundation of Boone County, 102 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon IN 46052.