James Dean Showalter was born on August 9, 1938 at Reid Memorial Hospital in Richmond, IN to Elizabeth Kinsey Showalter and Jesse Lloyd Showalter. Jim grew up in Farmland, Indiana and was raised by his mother and beloved grandmother after his dad passed when he was just two years old. He enjoyed small town living and spent a lot of time with school friends and cousins that he was especially close to. Jim gave his heart to Jesus at age 10 at the Farmland Friends Church. He worked at Mcintyre Furniture starting at the age of 12.

Jim lettered in basketball, volleyball, baseball, and track. His favorite was always basketball. As a senior he moved with his mother and stepfather to Muncie and graduated from Muncie Central High School. He joined the navy and traveled all over the world for four and a half years, at which time he was honorably discharged.

Jim married Sue Greer Hartley in January 1961 and moved to California. He attended San Matteo College while working for Metropolitan Life and managing retail stores in the area. Jim and Sue moved back to Indiana permanently in 1968 to be closer to family. He worked at Owens Illinois, Marsh Supermarkets, Sheller Globe, and Ken's Bandag Truck Tire Retread and retired from there after 30 years of service. During those years Jim became an evangelist for the Church of the Nazarene and filled in for pastors all over East Central Indiana. He later became an ordained minister through Full Gospel Temple, which he attended for 30 years. He taught a Seniors Sunday School class for 20 years as well as continuing his evangelistic work for area Pentecostal churches.

Jim has had the blessing of a special friend, Barbara Teal, who lived only 4 blocks away, for the last 15 years. They have taken numerous memorable trips together with separate accommodations as is appropriate for non-married couples.

Jim leaves behind a legacy of love and faith with his children, Alison Ringlespaugh(husband Dan), James Showalter Jr(wife Vicky), and stepson Don W Hartley Sr(wife Cathy). His grandchildren are Ryan Ringlespaugh, Lacey Ringlespaugh, Don W Hartley, Jr, Michelle Hartley Stone, Mia Showalter Faulkner, and Isaac Ray-Showalter. He has also been blessed with numerous great grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, as well as his precious wife of 47 years, Sue, stepdaughter Brenda Hartley West, and grandson Mark Ringlespaugh.

Burial will be at Gardens of Memory with a private family graveside service.

Memorials may be sent to:

Tunnel to Towers Foundation

2361 Hylan Blvd

Staten Island, NY 10306