James S. Betz

James Simon Betz passed away on April 21. Born at home in Jasper, Indiana, on December 15, 1942, he was the son of Raymond and Catherine (Knies) Betz. Jim's commitment to his education and sports led him to excel in football, basketball, and track at Jasper High School, earning him a football scholarship to St. Joseph College in Rensselaer, IN. After graduation, he joined the National Guard before starting a career at Emge Packing Company in Fort Branch, IN. At Emge’s, James found not only a career but also love. He met Pamela Elpers, and their love story began. Jim and Pam married on November 14, 1970, and built a beautiful life together, raising four children and cherishing their thirteen grandchildren. Jim was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Fort Branch and later St. James Catholic Church in Haubstadt. There, he enjoyed listening to his brother, Father Ken Betz’s homilies. He sang in the church choirs for 50 years. Jim was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus and served on the South Gibson School Board for 12 years. Jim was an avid athlete, enjoying running, cycling, golf, tennis, and coaching his daughters’ softball teams. Jim spent a lot of time on the tennis courts at TriState Athletic Club, where he played tennis and completed crosswords with his friends. He cherished the many friendships and stories he gained along the way. Jim found joy in living a hard-working, simple life. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He even grew to love the dogs, Maggie and Lily, too. He loved watching his grandchildren compete in their sports. He was always a welcomed fan on the sidelines. Jim is survived by his wife, Pam; children Scott Betz (Laura), Katherine Jones (Steve), Jessica Bohrer (Brad), and Claire Betz; grandchildren William, Katherine, Elisedd and Emanuel Betz, Shelby, Cameron, and Caroline Jones, Maxwell, Evan, Jack, and Blake Bohrer, and Veronica and Jerome Tempel; siblings Father Kenneth Betz, Mary Ellen Stenftenagel (Mick), Dr. Charles Betz (Karen), and Cindy Pruski (Jim); sisters-in-law Karen Spartz (Edward) and Nancy Berry (Byron). The Betz family would like to thank the staff of Primrose Memory Care in Newburgh, IN, for the loving care and friendship they have provided to Jim over the past couple of years. We are also grateful for the caregivers at Heart to Heart Hospice, who gently watched over Jim in his last months. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Haubstadt with Father Kenneth Betz as celebrant. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of mass at the church. Burial will be at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Fort Branch following the mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. James Catholic Church or Holy Cross Catholic Church. Expressions of sympathy may be made at stodghillfuneralhome.com.

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