James Ward Biddle

James Ward Biddle, 96, of Anderson, passed away unexpectedly Oct. 25, 2019 in San Bernadino, CA. He was born July 14, 1923 in Adams Township, Madison County, on the Biddle Farm to Jesse S. and Dana (Ham) Biddle and resided in the community until August 2003 when he moved to Anderson. He was a 1941 graduate of Markleville High School and attended Indiana University from 1941 - 1942 before enlisting in the US Army Air Corps. He received his wings and commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in May, 1944 and became a single engine pilot instructor during WWII. He was honorably discharged in December 1945. Returning to Indiana University, he graduated from the School of Business in 1947 and later received an advanced degree from the School of Education in 1967. James began a career in marketing with Sears Roebuck in 1947 at the Anderson store and remained there until 1958. From 1958-1965, he taught distributive education (now marketing education - a vocational co-op program) at Anderson High School. In 1965, he became state supervisor for marketing education in the vocational education section of the Indiana Department of Education from which he retired as Assistant State Director for Vocational Education in 1988. He was a life member of the American Vocational Association (now the association for career and technical education). He was a life member of the IU Alumni Association and a life member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He was a 50 year member of the American Legion Post 117, a 50 year member of Ovid Masonic Lodge #164, a 50 year member and Past Worthy Patron of the Markleville Order of Eastern Star, and a member of the Scottish Rite in Indianapolis. He was also a member of the Indiana Farm Bureau and the Indiana Historical Society. James was a member of the Chesterfield Christian Church where he served as Deacon for many years. He was an avid golfer, enjoying his later years with a group of friends called "The Golfing Geezers". James is survived by his wife, Vera Markle Rushford Biddle, whom he married in January 2003; children, James J. (Connie) Biddle, Cheryl (Michael) Engber, Peggy S. (Robert) Bolles; grandchildren, James J. (Erika) Biddle II, Sara (Marc) Engber, Kim (Jay) Engber, and Elanor Bolles, and special niece, Audrey Cooper. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 56 years, Beryl in 2000, his father in 1972 and mother in 1983. Visitation will be held Friday, November 15, 2019 from 11:00am - 1:00pm at Loose Funeral Homes & Crematory, 200 West 53rd Street, Anderson, IN 46013. Services will be held Friday, November 15, 2019 at 1:00pm at the funeral home with Pastor Ned Clark officiating. Burial will take place in Mt. Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Ovid, IN Memorial Contributions may be made to Chesterfield Christian Church.

James Ward Biddle

July 14, 1923 - October 25, 2019