Long Time Rotarian, Jim Stokes Passes Away
Paul James Stokes (Jim), Indianapolis, passed away suddenly Wednesday, September 8th. He was born October 2nd, 1925, to Paul James Stokes, Sr, and Helen (Braunecker) Stokes. He was a native Hoosier who enjoyed many retirement months at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Jim attended PS70 and graduated from Shortridge High School, Class of 1943, and from Antioch College in 1948. After college he spent his 35-year career at Lilly Varnish Company, later renamed Lilly Industrial Coatings, retiring as Vice President and Treasurer. Civic board commitments included the Indianapolis Day Nursery and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. He was an active member of the Indiana Board of Credit Management, and an officer of the National Credit Management Association.
Jim was a 60-year member of the Tabernacle Presbyterian Church (Tab), a deacon, elder, and elder trustee. On December 12, 1959, Jim married Mary Jeannine Grinslade at Tab and they were blessed with three sons: Paul (Anne), Charlton (Catherine), and John. Their beloved grandchildren include Lauren Stokes (Sal Chavez), P.J. Stokes IV, Elizabeth Moon (Micheal), Ryan Gertiser (Natalie), Reilly Stokes, Isabel Stokes; and great-grandchildren Olivia and Evan Elliott; and Kaedence, Easton and Lacey Gertiser; and beloved nieces Kathy Davis (Bill) and Christine Grinslade and families, all of whom mourn his passing.
Jim was a member of the Indianapolis Literary Club, Rotary Club of Indianapolis and Meridian Hills Country Club. Jim was a kind gentleman who appreciated a good book, funny jokes, a clever pun, and a great opera performance. A devotee of classical music, Jim was a season ticket holder of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for over 50 years.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra in Jim’s honor; or a gift to the charity of your choice. The Stokes family wishes to thank Donna Chambly and Ann Travis for their exceptionally fine nursing skills and devoted care of Jim. Thanks also to the entire staff of AseraCare Hospice and Senior1Care.
Friends may call from 10am until 11am on Friday, September 17, 2021 at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, 418 E. 34th Street, Indianapolis, where funeral services will immediately follow beginning at 11am. Burial will follow services in Crown Hill Cemetery.
