James Lee Erskine

James Lee Erskine ran his final race to Jesus on November 25, 2023. He passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 63. Jimmy was born on April 1, 1960, living in Anderson all of his amazing life with the family and friends who loved him deeply. He was our angel on earth.

Jimmy is survived by his adoring parents, Carl and Betty Erskine of Anderson, IN; his three siblings, Dan (Pam) Erskine of Anderson, IN; Gary (Beth) Erskine of Pendleton, IN; and Susan (John) Short of Albany, GA. He is also survived by five nieces and nephews, Dannae (Mark) Witcher, Abby (Brad) Franklin; Amy (Jed) Daniel, Luke (Susie) Short, and Megan Stephenson; special aunt, Cheryl Palmer; nine great nieces and nephews, and many other cousins and family members whom he loved dearly.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his grandparents, Matt and Bertha Erskine and Lowell and Lula Belle Palmer, all of Anderson, IN; aunt and uncle Jeanie and Robert Phillips of Columbia City, IN and uncle Donald Erskine of Anderson, IN.

The most important thing to Jimmy was his family. He was happiest when the family was all together and celebrating something or someone. He loved music, playing the piano and playing the harmonica.

Jimmy was a proud athlete of Special Olympics for 50 years, participating in bowling, golf, swimming, and track. He worked at Applebee’s for 20 years and was a part of the Hopewell Center family from its inception to his passing.

Jimmy’s second family was that of First Baptist Church where he was loved by so many his entire life. Playing Away in a Manger at the Christmas Eve service each year was a highlight of the year for him. He loved tradition and looked forward to each visit to Albany, GA, church camp, Camp Isanogel, Special Olymics State meets, Dodgertown in Vero Beach, FL, Cincinnati, and the Indianapolis Children’s Museum “Spookhouse.”

Jimmy loved his hobbies of painting pipes and sticks, using markers to color, collecting straws and playing musical keyboards. Those who know Jimmy know that food was another big part of his life with his favorites being hot dogs, baked beans and his special birthday meal of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and peas. And, ice cream. There was always ice cream!

Jimmy was loved by so many throughout the community and the family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to all the friends, family, and caregivers who have shown Jimmy so much love his entire life. Thank you to all the wonderful staff at Hopewell who loved, supported and helped Jimmy live his best life. Extra love and gratitude are sent to Teresa Dowers, a very special friend to Jimmy and the family.

In honor of Jimmy’s life and love for all, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Anderson, 907 N Raible Ave, Anderson, IN 46011; Hopewell Center, 5325 W 53rd St., Anderson, IN 46013; or Special Olympics of Indiana, 6200 Technology Center Drive, Suite 105, Indianapolis, IN 46278.

Memorial visitation will be held Tuesday, December 5, 2023, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Loose Funeral Homes & Crematory, 200 W 53rd St. in Anderson. A memorial celebration of life service will follow at 1:00 pm with burial taking place at Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery.