James E. Deeter, 96, passed away on Tuesday, August 7, 2018, at Marion Rehabilitation and Assisted Living Center. Jim was born on February 13, 1922, to the late Charles and Mary Alice Deeter. He grew up in Chili, Indiana, and graduated from Chili High School in 1940. Jim then joined the Marines, where he served 7 years on active duty, and then 16 years in the reserves. He was a World War II veteran serving 39 months in the South Pacific. He eventually earned the rank of Master Sergeant and was a First Sergeant at Baer Field, where he was a small arms instructor. Jim worked for the VA Hospital for 40 years, retiring in 1975. He worked several positions, including as an aide and police officer. He also worked as a Grant County Sheriff’s Deputy under Harold Ash and salesman for Stewart Furniture for 27 years. Jim married Betty Whitehead on January 25, 1962, and they celebrated 56 years of marriage this year. Jim was an extremely hardworking man, working 2-3 jobs a total of 60-70 hours a week during his younger years. While he may have been hardworking, he always found time to enjoy playing cards. You would have been hard pressed to beat him at a game of euchre.
Jim is survived by his wife, Betty, Marion; son, Eric (Chris) Deeter, Pittsford, NY; daughter, Valerie (Neal) Sluder, Brodhead, KY; and two grandchildren, Sloan and Griffin Deeter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mary Alice; son, Marc Deeter; brother, Bob Deeter; and sister, Edith Ryan.
Arrangements for Jim have been entrusted to the College Park Chapel of Armes-Hunt Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 4601 South Western Avenue, Marion, Indiana, where friends and family may visit from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 13, 2018. At 3:00 p.m., military honors will be presented. Burial will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in memory of Jim to the National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130. Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com.