James "Jim" Eugene Handy

James “Jim” Eugene Handy, 89, of Kokomo, passed away March 22, 2024, at Jefferson Manor. He was born in Jackson, Kentucky, on May 21, 1934, the son of the late Jesse Herbert and Mary (Haddix) Handy. On September 4, 1955, he married Esther May Fisher, and she preceded him in death on July 3, 2016.

Jim was a 1952 graduate of Logansport High School. He proudly served our country in the United States Army from 1956 through 1958. He earned his undergraduate degree from Indiana University in 1972 and earned a Master’s in Education in 1974. He taught special education at Elwood Haynes. Jim was a member of One Church, formerly First Church of the Nazarene in Kokomo, and had a strong faith in his Lord and Savior. He adored his wife, cherished time spent with family, and found joy in caring for babies and young children. He had an amazing sense of humor and enjoyed telling jokes to get a laugh. Jim liked reading, traveling, and he always looked for ways to help and serve other people.

Jim is survived by his children, John (Shirley) Handy, Wheaton, IL, Jerri Handy, Haywood, CA, Janice (Kent) Yost, Upland, IN, Jeffrey (Stacy) Handy, Russiaville, IN; daughter-in-law, Barb Handy; sister, Lucille Ponce; grandchildren, Joe (Katie) Handy, Amy (Sam) Slennett, Joshua (Angela) Turnbull, Amber Castagnola, Erin (Kyle) Wood, Emily (Josh) Wymore, Danielle Tobey, Seth (Diane) Handy, Stephen (Sarah) Handy, Ian (Aimee-Nicole) Handy, Kara (Christopher) Short, Karic (Angel) Stemmel; and numerous great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son, Larry Handy; brothers, George Handy, Ben Handy, Orma Handy, Charles Handy, Paul Handy; sister, Mary Elizabeth Costello.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 9:30 am to 11 am Wednesday March 27, 2024, at One Church, 2734 South Washington Street, Kokomo, IN 46902. Funeral service will begin at 11 am on Wednesday at the church with Rev. Rick Carder officiating. A link will be available to view Jim’s funeral live on his obituary page at 11 am on Wednesday. Burial will follow in Marion National Cemetery. Military Rites will be provided by the United States Army and Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to the Lowell and Blanche Fisher Scholarship at Indiana Wesleyan University. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

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