OWENSVILLE, Ind. — James W. Jett, 74, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2009, at Gibson General Hospital in Princeton.

Born on July 22, 1934, in Bicknell, he was the son of the late Kenneth and Nina (Chambers) Jett.

Jim retired from the Norfolk Southern Railroad as a conductor. He was a 1953 graduate of Bicknell High School. Jim served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Midway as a machinist mate from 1953 to 1957 and was a member of VFW Post #1174. He shared many fond memories with his family of this world cruise. Jim was also an avid fan of I.U. basketball and NASCAR racing.

He was preceded in death by his infant son, David; his parents; and his brothers, Kenneth and Donald.

Jim is survived by his wife of 55 years, Shirley (Rissot); son, Kevin (Cindy) of Perrysburg, Ohio; daughter, Nancy Richards of Owensville; granddaughters, Gabrielle Jett and Jessica Richards; grandsons, John Lindley and Austin Richards; a sister, Jocelyn R. Klein of Bicknell; a brother, Gerald Jett of Elnora, Ind.; a sister-in-law, Carol (Rissot) Vories (Duane) of Monroe City, Ind.; a brother-in-law, Robert Rissot (Sylinda) of Clayton, Ind.; 17 nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a. m. CDT Tuesday, March 24, 2009, at Holders Funeral Home, 319 S. Main, Owensville, with the Rev. Tarrell Thompson officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the VFW Post #1147 and American Legion Post #51 at the funeral home. Burial will follow services at Memorial Park Cemetery in Vincennes.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. CDT Monday and from 9 a.m. till service time at the funeral home.