James Thomas “Jim” Papacek

James Thomas “Jim” Papacek, 81, Greentown, passed away Tuesday morning at his home with his family by his side.  Jim was born June 4, 1942 in Berwyn, Illinois, the son of James Joseph & Claribel F. (Insley) Papacek.  On August 24, 1968 in Kokomo, he married Brenda D. Brantley and she survives.

Jim was a 1960 graduate of Kokomo High School and went on to earn a business degree from Indiana University, Kokomo.  He retired as president of Haynes Community Federal Credit Union and had previously worked at the State Bank of Greentown and Union Bank. 

Jim served our community for 47 years, serving 8 years on the Kokomo Common Council and 39 years on the Howard County Council. He also served on the Howard County Plan Commission. In recognition of his years of service, Jim was awarded Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Eric Holcomb.   The Howard County Commissioners awarded Jim the Pilar of the Community and the Howard County Republican Party granted Jim the Chairman’s Award.

He was an active member of First Evangelical Presbyterian Church where served as an Elder and on several leadership boards.  Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing and his many annual fishing trips to Canada.  He enjoyed golf and was a lifelong Purdue fan.  He had coached Babe Ruth Baseball and was able to coach his grandsons’ team in Lafayette. 

Surviving in addition to his wife of 55 years, Brenda Papacek are his daughter, Leigh (Matt) Rhoda; grandsons, Dean Rhoda, and Derek Rhoda; brothers, John (Violet) Papacek and Jerry (Gwen) Papacek; his mother-in-law, Mary Brantley and several nieces and nephews.  Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law, Ondis Brantley.

A memorial service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at 4:00 pm Thursday, April 18, 2024 at First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 2000 W. Jefferson Street, with Pastor Joyce Harris officiating.  Friends are invited to visit from 1 pm until service time at the church on Thursday.  Private burial will be held in Albright Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church or to the charity of the donor’s choice.  Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.  Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

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