James Ray Western, 85, of Bloomfield, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 10, 2022 at the I.U. Health Bloomington Hospital. Jim was born in Indianapolis on February 13, 1937 to Jesse Ray Western and Emma Hazel (Hurt) Western.

Jim served his country proudly in the United States Army National Guard. He was a skilled machinist at Westinghouse Air Brake and retired from American Art Clay.

While he was “Jim” to his peers, his grandchildren referred to him as “Grandpa” or “Jimmy.” Jim loved reading about mountain folk and surviving in the country, and would occasionally treat himself to viewings of his favorite movies, like “Master and Commander,” “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” or “Ice Age.” He often listened to blue grass music and would play the mandolin on occasion. An avid eater of potato chips and his hot homemade chili, Jim loved when food could go beyond his often used critique of “adequate.” Jimmy was a skilled woodworker who built many treasures for family and friends. Apart from going on many cross-country excursions with family, he once rode out west on a motorcycle. When he wasn’t doing crossword puzzles, tinkering with his tractor, or gardening, he’d sit on the back porch with his sweetheart, Sharon, and gaze upon the valley behind their house. Jimmy loved his grandchildren dearly. From a grandchild moving in for college, to driving many hours to watch his grandkids play sports, Jimmy was always there. While he couldn’t hear well, it did not impede his ability to listen. One could say he was like an old iron statue; resolute, strong, and always there. Though a quiet, slow-moving man, Jimmy was always quick to say “I love you, sweetie.” He will be missed.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sharon E. (McIntosh) Western, children, Jeff (Remy) Western, Jerry (Connie) Western, Michael Jason Holtsclaw, Mary Beth (Tom) Query, grandchildren, Jerald Western, Daniel (Melissa) Western, Jeremy (Jennifer) Western, Sammy Query, Sydney Query, Silas Query, great-grandchildren, Aden, Ava, Adalyn, Haley, Jadin, and many extended family members and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Jill Western, one brother, Russel Lee Western and granddaughter, Jessica Duran.

There was a private family service for Jim.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Kidney Foundation through the funeral home.

Welch & Cornett Funeral Home, 23 South Jefferson Street, Worthington, Indiana 47471.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.welchcornett.com.