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James Amos
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He was born January 20, 1916 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Ada (Osborne) Amos and Joseph James Amos. As a youth he was in Golden Gloves Boxing and was an accomplished swimmer. Jim attended Gary College and the University of Chicago. In later years he enjoyed teaching swimming to YMCA members. While serving with the Civil Air Patrol, he earned a pilots license and became a flight instructor. Flying and golfing were two of his passions. He was a skilled brick mason and worked in supervision at the steel mills in Gary. After moving to Muncie in 1946 he started his first business, American Insulation & Engineering Company, providing home improvement services. Early in the 50’s James started Hoosier Builders and in their best year they built and sold 20 single family residences. In 1959 he purchased Shepherd Manufacturing Company and started a new career in manufacturing, while still remaining active in both home improvements and commercial and residential construction. Shepherd Manufacturing produced industrial products and added equipment to make aluminum siding, which was a new product being sold by their sister company, American Insulation. Shepherd Manufacturing also became the supplier of RCA indoor and outdoor television antennas and component parts. This led to the establishment of American Wire Products, still operating today as American Design. Jim recognized talent in his employees, and would encourage and assist them in starting their own businesses. He often provided equipment, financial, and sales assistance, until they were able to operate independently. His efforts resulted in the establishment of as least 20 new businesses, most of which continue to operate today. Some of the companies Jim started or mentored are: American Insulation; Shepherd Manufacturing; American Wire Products; Hoosier Builders; Brentwood Products; Slide A Top; Goodman Wire; Anderson Manufacturing; Allegiance Wire; Lasure Machine; Conwell Tool; Liberty Steel; Franklin Stampings; World Wide Technologies; Hybred Electric Generator; Tubular Engineering; R&R Engineering; Trale Inc; Air Robotics; and American Mobil Power. Jim was a strong Christian; a loyal friend; and generous to anyone in need. He loved life and everyone he became acquainted with. Jim had a special talent of recognizing each individual’s best qualities and achievements. He believed it was important to help each person to develop a better appreciation of their qualities and themselves, by pointing out the characteristics that made them so special. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church for 61 years and served as an Elder and Deacon. Other memberships include the Gideon’s; Exchange Club; AOPA; Junto; Delaware Country Club; Masonic Lodge F &AM; Scottish Rite and the Shriner’s. Survivors include his children: Barbara Amos Grant, (husband-Roy), Cox’s Creek, Kentucky and Ralph J. Amos, (wife-Hazel), Muncie; grandchildren: Scott Amos, (wife-Denise), Summitville; Janet Amos, (Erich Holcomb), Indianapolis; Carey Amos Fisher, (husband-Jud), Muncie; Beverly Grant Albies, (husband-Edward), Franklin Lakes, New Jersey; Kevin Grant, (wife-Tracy), Bardstown, Kentucky; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by wife his of 63 years, Marguerite Amos, who passed away November 7, 2000. Services will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Ronald Naylor officiating. Entombment will follow in Elm Ridge Mausoleum. Family and friends may call from 2:00 until 4:00 and 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Mt. Pleasant Chapel, 7901 W. Isanogel Rd., Muncie, IN 47304 or after 10:00 a.m., Tuesday at the church. Memorial contributions may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church, 1400 W. Riverside, Muncie, IN 47303 or the American Cancer Society, 1220 Meridian, Anderson, IN 46016. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.meeksmortuary.com. |
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