William Jefferson Inman Jr.

William Jefferson “Jeff” Inman, 74, of North Vernon, passed away at 7:00 a.m., on Monday, February 27, 2023, at Autumn Trace Assisted Living.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 3, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Rev. Jerry Byrd will officiate. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the rosary being recited at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at Sawyer-Pickett Funeral and Cremation Service.

Born on November 3, 1948 in Seymour, Indiana, Jeff was the son of William Jefferson “Jake” and Marguerite “Peggy” Inman.

Jeff graduated from North Vernon High School in 1967 where he served as the Senior Class president. He was a multisport athlete; most notably known for his basketball career which included a Semi-State run in 1966. He continued his education and basketball career at St. Benedict from 1967-1968. He transferred after his freshman year to the University of West Florida, Pensacola where he continued playing basketball. He later graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Education in 1971. He returned to North Vernon where he began his career in the insurance industry with his father, Jake, working for Mutual of Omaha.  He was recognized nationwide in the top one percent of all salesmen during the 1970s.  After seeing much success in insurance, he started a family, had five children, and coached Middle School and High School basketball for the Jennings County Panthers.  He was an admired and highly respected coach.

He loved his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed playing cards, watching sports, and going to the casino. Jeff was known for wearing his orange pumpkin hat and driving his red Volkswagen beetle around town. He had a unique and entertaining personality that seemed to draw people closer to him.  He enjoyed getting a laugh out of people.  He truly was one of a kind.

Survivors include siblings, Jennifer (David) Hildreth, Marguerite (Richard) Purnell, John (Josie) Inman, Stephanie Harvey, Andrea (Boone) Brackett, and Tarquin Inman; children, Derek Inman of North Vernon, Hannah (Josh) Elkins of North Vernon, Scooter (Kristen) Inman of Erlanger, Kentucky, Jake (Meredith) Inman of North Vernon, and Luke (Emily) Inman of North Vernon; nine grandchildren, Meagan, Johnny, Marlow, Brady, Brooks, Skylar, Carter, Maren, and Boston; one great-grandchild, Winnie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jake and Peggy Inman; brother, Michael Inman; sister, Mary Jacinta Inman.

Memorial donations can be made through the funeral home to Saint Mary’s School.

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