James Stanley Stout

James Stanley Stout, 93, passed away on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jim was born December 2, 1929 in Lost Creek, West Virginia, the son of Russell Ray Stout and Olive Millicent Stout.

Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was united in marriage to Eileen Stout on January 24, 1953 in Vandalia, Ohio. Eileen preceded him in death. He leaves behind four children, James, Gloria, Douglas and Robert. He is also survived by six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Jim was the last surviving child of Russell and Olive Stout. They preceded him in death, as did his sisters Clara Ellen Weaver and Elma Stewart, brothers John Park Stout, David Jackson Stout and William Russell Stout, and grandson Aaron Joshua Stout. He also leaves behind many other loving relatives and friends.

Jim always brought a lot of energy and determination to his work, and his career was far-reaching both geographically and in the variety of undertakings. After graduating from Weston High School, and during the Korean war, Jim voluntarily enlisted in the US Army. He served honorably for two terms, in addition to serving in the National Guard. Afterward, he moved to Dayton, OH, and joined National Cash Register. He met the love of his life, Eileen, who was also working there, and they were soon married. At NCR, and later at Honeywell, he consulted with the Air Force on aircraft weapons guidance systems as a Field Engineer. Jim also spent several years with International Resistor Corporation in Boone, NC as their Sales Engineer, during which he was instrumental in the development of components used by NASA to equalize static charges between docking spacecraft. He loved sharing his exciting challenges and experiences working on various aircraft at many locations in the US and other countries. Jim loved to fly, got his pilot’s license, and owned a small plane.

Jim had an exceptional entrepreneurial spirit, and he tirelessly founded and ran several businesses. One of his companies imported electronic components. Another produced custom printed materials for industrial clients. He even purchased the Dandee bottling company, and oversaw the production of delicious soft drinks that were enjoyed by many central Indiana residents. He also owned and operated several semi tractors and delivery trucks, harking back in a way to his first job driving a coal truck as a teenager in rural West Virginia. It would be difficult to find a harder working man, or a more honest businessman, and he would always, always, do what was needed to provide for his wife and children.

Jim loved to travel, and was pleased to let people know that he had been to all 50 states, not to mention many other countries. He loved to tell the story about how Eileen’s mother told her to travel before she got married, because afterward, the travel would end. Little did her mom know that when Eileen married Jim, he would be needed at many locations all over the country, and the travel, household moves, and adventures were just beginning. In fact, so much so that each of their four children were born in different states.

Jim was the author of two novels, “The Best Summer Ubetcha” and “Cherry Tree Bottoms”, and several short stories and essays. Jim and Eileen shared their love of travel with their children, and they drove the family to happy vacations together to the mountains, to the beach, and to places of historic and natural interest. Jim loved the water, and as often as possible would pile everyone into the station wagon, hook up the family boat behind it, and all would spend the day at a lake joyriding, skiing and fishing. Jim provided encouragement to his kids, and coached little league football and baseball teams.

Jim valued family first and foremost. As he wrote, in his own words:

“What do I consider my greatest accomplishment?

That one is easy. Somehow, Eileen and I raised four wonderful, intelligent, loving children, who are hard working and contributors to society. That is my contribution and my blessing.”

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.