James Russel Unger

February 15, 2022

James Russel Unger, 88, of rural Frankfort, passed away February 15, 2022 in his home surrounded by family.  He was born May 8, 1933 in Randolph County, Indiana to the late John Russel and Edith Louise (Beck) Unger.  He recently celebrated 65 years of marriage to Sharon Kay Donoho, whom he married on September 7, 1956.

Jim was one of nine graduates of Young America High School in 1952.  After high school, Jim enlisted in the United States Army from May 4, 1953 to April 25, 1955 where he served in Japan during the rebuilding efforts following WWII.  Although he worked at Chrysler for 30 years, above all his life’s passion was being a farmer.

Jim attended Rossville United Methodist Church and was a member of the Masonic Lodge #318 in Rossville, where he was past Master, receiving his 50-year pin in October of 2019. He was also a member of the American Legion, AMVET, Indianapolis Scottish Rite, Shriners for 37 years, Eastern Star where he was Past Worthy Patron four times and “Rainbow Pop” for the Rossville Assembly #9 Rainbow Girls, and a current member of the Owen Township Advisory Board.

A man who never met a stranger, Jim’s great sense of humor and outgoing nature made him beloved by all. Jim loved fishing and boats, watching ball games, Farmall tractors, and he had several hobbies and collections throughout the years.

Memorial Donations may be made in Jim’s honor to the Rossville Masonic Lodge #318 or the Rossville United Methodist Church, with envelopes available at the funeral home.

 

Visitation and Services

Friends may visit 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main Street, Frankfort.  A Masonic Service will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, immediately followed by the funeral service.  Pastor Bob Raschka will officiate.  Burial will be in Beech Grove Cemetery, Carroll County, Ind. 

Survived by:

He will be dearly missed by his many surviving friends and family, including his loving wife Sharon (Donoho) Unger, his sister Rebecca (Don) Mullens, and his 3 children, Lisa Kay (Dave) Mette of Michigan, James A. (Terrie) Unger of Rossville, and Lori (Scott) Leighty of Michigantown. He also had 5 grandchildren: Jamie (Steve) Brown, Michelle (Brandon Shuler) Unger, Lindsey (James) Sindelar, Matthew (Sydney) Leighty, and Jacob (Molly) Leighty and 7 great-grandchildren: Isabelle, Brylee, Landon, Brady, Tyler, Ava, and Nora.  

Preceded by:

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother William “Bill” Unger, and two sisters Margaret Louise Bennett and Carol Yrea Smith.

Condolences

Leave your Condolences

17 Condolences for “James Russel Unger”

  1. Kevin and Melea Kercheval February 16, 2022 at 4:03 pm

    We are so sorry for your loss, Lori, Sharon and Unger family. I certainly enjoyed Jim’s humor and smile. Praying for you all.

  2. Don and Kathy Blanch February 16, 2022 at 4:59 pm

    Sending our sincere condolences.

  3. John Miller February 16, 2022 at 6:47 pm

    Sharon and family, my sincere condolences.

  4. Beverly Shepherd February 16, 2022 at 7:28 pm

    So sorry to hear of the passing of Jim, he was a true gentleman.

  5. Jennifer Moss February 16, 2022 at 8:03 pm

    I was always sure to find Uncle Jim at family functions. I knew the best moments were the ones in which he was involved. He was always kind and loving to me, my siblings, and my mother. We will miss him dearly. I love you all. May God bring you some comfort in the coming days.

  6. Wanda Kercheval February 16, 2022 at 9:44 pm

    Sympathies to the Unger family.

  7. Ron & Deb Brown February 16, 2022 at 9:48 pm

    Our Condolences to the Unger family, we’re so sorry for your loss.

  8. Merita Emery Horath February 16, 2022 at 10:29 pm

    I’m so sorry for the loss of your dad. You’re all in our thoughts and prayers at this time of your sorrow. You will always have the memories of all the great times that you shared with your dad. Just remember he is still watching over you and will always be with you in your heart. May he Rest In Peace.

  9. Dick and Donna Ticen February 17, 2022 at 9:11 am

    Sharon and family,
    Just want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this time.

    Dick and Donna Ticen

  10. Jim and Regena Laursen February 17, 2022 at 10:27 am

    Regena and I met Jim and Sharon in Gulf Shores, Alabama several years back and we became good friends. Jim had such a great sense of humor, and he’ll truly be missed. Our prayers to Sharon and the family.

  11. Natalie (Hawk) Mántica February 17, 2022 at 2:27 pm

    Such sad news! What a wonderful man he was! He was such a great blessing to so many. As a Rainbow girl, we loved calling him “Pop”. So sorry for your loss!

  12. Damon & Martha Hayes February 17, 2022 at 7:22 pm

    Rest In Peace Pops! Condolences to the family.

  13. Candi Fellows February 17, 2022 at 8:55 pm

    Sharon and family, my deepest condolences go out to you. Jim was a great man and always had a smile! You all are in my thoughts and prayers!

  14. Ben Moss February 18, 2022 at 1:40 pm

    You can see it in your family that you are loved dearly. You will be missed!

  15. Robert Bennett February 18, 2022 at 3:41 pm

    Thoughts and prayers. Thank you Uncle Jim for introducing my parents which resulted in my being here and thank you for teasing and embarrassing my wife, it showed her that a sense of humor in needed in this crazy world. You will be greatly missed.

  16. Barbara Hileman February 18, 2022 at 5:17 pm

    I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I know he will be sorely missed. You are all in my prayers.

  17. Jenny Skinner February 18, 2022 at 8:48 pm

    May God hold you in his arms forevermore. God bless your family. Miss you all. All my love, farewell uncle Jim.

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