James L. Walraven

James L. Walraven, Age 93, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 10, 2025. Him was born on July 2, 1932 in Fouke, Arkansas. He and his twin brother Gene joined the Army in 1948 and both retired after serving 20 years of continuous service. In 1951 while stationed in Berlin, Germany, Jim met the love of his life, Ursula. With their only daughter in tow and a new duty assignment at Fort Hood, Texas, they returned to the United States. During this move, a friendship with the Mayflower truck driver John Davis developed, and he became a favorite brother-in-law. As a result, most of Ursula’s family from Germany immigrated to the United States, became naturalized citizens and Hoosiers. He retired from the Army in 1968 and went to work for Charlie Stuart Oldsmobile, Enco Windows and later owned a trucking business. He fully retired when he was 75. Jim was married to Ursula for 63 years until her passing in 2015. Jim has been a Mason for 50 plus years and is a current member of Oakland Masonic Lodge #140 F. & A.M. Jim is survived by his daughter, Maryrose Monika Noel; nieces and nephews, Nicole Gieseler and Mary Geiseler Moore, Hans Jocheim Fehrer and Karl-Heinz Wannicke (both from Germany); sister-in-law, Helma Geiseler Trover; and several great-nieces and nephews. Jim is also survived by Wade Means, Tina and Roy Hamilton, Daniel Noel, Charlie Noel, Nevaeh Noel, and Carter Noel. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Ursula; grandson, James Dawson; twin brother, Gene Walraven; sisters-in-law, Trudchen, Irmchen, Margarete, Ingrid and Pam; brothers-in-law, Rolf, Walter, John, Manfred, Guenter, Sam and Bob; nieces and nephews, Cristel, Sylvia, Patty, David, Marcia and Michael; and son-in-law, Will Noel. Jim especially enjoyed spending time at the “farm” and the past five years at his peaceful place Lake Melissa where he spent hours relaxing, fishing with his buddies, and waving at people. Planting things in his garden became a real hobby. He enjoyed the companionship of his beloved cat Smokey who adopted him. Jim also loved going to various restaurants and events with his special family, Debbie Ford and her family, Melissa, Shannon, Jacob, Kaden, and Benny. Debbie was like a second daughter to him, and he loved “the Ford clan” dearly. His legendary stories will be fondly remembered, and the laughter will continue as we recall a great man who had a heart of gold and the kindness to go with it. He never knew a stranger. Special thanks to our neighbors and friends for making this final part of his journey memorable. As he said “it’s been one heck of a ride”. Graveside services with military honors will be held Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery, 9350 E. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46229. Final arrangements and care are entrusted to Shirley Brothers Washington Memorial Chapel.

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James L. Walraven

July 2, 1932 - October 10, 2025