James Michael Umphrey

James Michael (Jim Buck) Umphrey, 76, of North Vernon, passed away at 5:22 p.m. on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center in Indianapolis.

A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at Sawyer-Pickett Funeral and Cremation Service. Cremation was chosen. Rev. Kendall Wildey will officiate. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. till the time of service.

Born on October 4, 1944, in Henry County, Jim was the loving son of Ralph James and Mabel Marie (Anderson) Umphrey. He was united in marriage to Rebecca Ann Hines on June 21, 1964. She survives.

Jim served in the U.S. Navy from 1962 – 1966 as a Hospital Corpsman and Fleet Marine Corpsman. His nickname then became “Doc.” He served on the Aircraft Carrier USS America CVA-66 and was aboard for her first Mediterranean cruise. He worked in the Medical Department at Cummins Engineering Company for 30 years. He was the first hired without a nursing degree to man the outlying factory aid stations working at Plant 1, Walesboro, and CIC retiring from the Seymour Plant. Jim was a member of the Scipio Presbyterian Church, VFW, American Legion, and a charter member of AmVets Post IN-0007. He was a life-time member of the USS America CVA-66 Carrier Veterans Association and enjoyed attending the Carrier Veterans reunions. He also enjoyed boating and fishing, especially bass fishing trips. Jim cherished the time he spent visiting with friends, and never met a stranger.

In addition to his wife, Rebecca Umphrey of North Vernon, he is survived by son, Craig Michael (Kerry) Umphrey of Cape Coral, FL; grandchildren, Grant Michael Umphrey and Allison Jean Umphrey of Cape Coral, FL; birth siblings, Sue Smith, Sara Saxon, and John Hamm.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Mabel Umphrey.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that memorials be made through the funeral home to the Disabled American Veterans to continue the caring for those veterans who need it most.

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