FRANKLIN
James “Jim” Carter Sleighter, 91 of Franklin passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2021 at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana.
He was born on December 1, 1929 in Morgan County, Indiana to Thurman and Zora M. (Zimmerman) Sleighter. He married Lois Marie Bowers on June 24, 1951. She preceded him in passing on August 31, 2006. He later married Verna Younger on December 27, 2007. She lovingly survives. He is also survived by two daughters, Patsy (Dave) Epperson and Carla (Rick) Hash, both of Whiteland, Indiana. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Dr. Jeremy Deer, Anthony (Jennifer) Hash, Tyler Hash, Bryan (Khristina) Epperson, Brad (Christy) Epperson and Brandi (Kirsh) Turner; ten great-grandchildren, Chloe Hash, Charlotte Hash, Paige Epperson, Brooke Epperson, Bryce Epperson, Chase Epperson, Reise Epperson, Blane Terry, Kopelin Turner and Tauran Epperson; step-daughter, Rita (Carl) Cox of Bedford; step-son, Phillip (Susan) Younger; of Wisconsin; step-grandchildren, Kyle Cox, Lindsey (Jaron) Lane, Allison (Joshua) Pierce, Alexander Younger and Joshua Younger; sister-in-law, Joann Sleighter and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Lois and brother, Carl Sleighter.
Jim was a 1952 graduate of Franklin College, earning his bachelor’s degree and in 1957 earned his Master’s degree in Guidance and Administration from Butler University.
Jim began his career in 1952 as a Math and Social Studies teacher at Mt. Auburn High School in Shelby County. In 1955 he began working as a Math teacher and Counselor at Whiteland High School and in 1959 became Principal at Whiteland High School, serving from 1959 until his retirement in 1990.
He was a member of Community Congregational Church (now, Hurricane Community Church) where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and as a Church Deacon and Trustee.
Jim was a member of the National and State Principal Association, Phi Delta Kappa, a Past President of Johnson County Principals and the Mid-State Athletic Conference, member of ISSA’s Curriculum Committee and an Advisor for Student Council Summer Sessions. He was also a past member of the Kiwanis Club, member of the Johnson County Gateway Services, and the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star and the Johnson County Retired Teachers Association.
Jim received many honors. He was presented by Governor Evan Bayh, the State of Indiana Council of Sagamore of the Wabash. He received a Commendatory Brick by the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, was an FFA honorary member, 1988-89 Administrator of the year for the State of Indiana and received a letter from President George Bush, presented at Whiteland Community High School Commencement, congratulating him for the many years of service and commitment to education. He also received the honor of the Whiteland Community High School Football Field being named in his honor as well as a scholarship presented to a senior each year in his name by the Adult Booster Club. He received many others awards from the Mid-State Conference and Band association as well as several others.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, January 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Flinn and Maguire Funeral Home, 2898 North Morton Street, (U.S. 31 North) in Franklin. Due to COVID 19 mandates, masks and/or facial coverings are required with social distancing guidelines. A private family service will be live streamed on Flinn and Maguire Funeral Home’s Facebook page on Friday at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be at Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hurricane Community Church, 4592 North Hurricane Road, Franklin, Indiana 46131 and/or the American Lung Association, Donation Processing Center, P.O. Box 11039, Lewiston, ME 04243-9409.
Expressions of caring and kindness may be received to the family at www.flinnmaguire.net
