REGAN, James (Jim) 1927-2007

REGAN, MONAGHAN, SWEENEY, JOHNSON

Posted By: K. L. Kittleson
Date: 7/12/2007 at 09:30:26

James E. Regan, 79, of Avon, Indiana passed away Thursday, June 28, 2007 at the University of Indiana Hospital, Indianapolis, Indiana following a lengthy battle of cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, July 2, 2007 at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Danville, Indiana with Father Bernie Cox officiating. Burial was at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, Greenwood, Indiana. The American Legion Memorial Squad conducted Military rites at the gravesite. Conkle Funeral Home of Avon, Indiana was in charge of arrangements..

Jim was born in Riceville, Iowa to parents Francis and Martha Regan on November 13, 1927. He attended the Riceville public schools graduating with the class of 1945. Jim entered the United States Army Air Force in 1945 and was discharged in 1947. Following his military service he was employed by the Oliver factory in Charles City.

Jim was united in marriage to Marian Monaghan at Mason City in 1956. To this union were born three children, Joseph, Michael and Deanna. The family resided in Greenwood, Indiana where Jim was employed by Hill-Griffith until his retirement. Jim and Marian enjoyed 40 years together raising their family and following the activities in the lives of their grandchildren until Marian's death in 1996.

On May 10, 1997 Jim was united in marriage to LaVonne (Sweeney) Johnson at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, Iowa. They made their home in Avon, Indiana.

Jim and LaVonne shared a love of family, neighbors and friends these past 10 years. Jim's family and LaVonne's family became one family as Jim counted LaVonne's children and grandchildren as his own; the same was true of LaVonne in regard to Jim's family.

Jim's special joys were his family and he and LaVonne traveled extensively to visit children and grandchildren in different parts of the United States. Jim was an eternal optimist and could make lemonade out of the worst case scenario. During the last three years of his battle with cancer he was always "upbeat" when discussing the future.

Jim was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He instilled in his children and grandchildren the virtues of love, patience, humor and optimism. The greatest tribute to their father was given by his children at the funeral mass when they said, "Our father's legacy to us was his example of how to live, love and respect one another!"

Jim was a member of Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, the American Foundry Society, and the American Legion.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marian and brother Vernon (Bun) Regan.

Survivors include his wife LaVonne, sons Joseph (Vicki) Regan, Michael (Diane) Regan, daughter Deanna (Jack) Moore, stepsons Douglas (Elizabeth) Johnson, David (Sandra) Johnson, Thomas (Nancee) Johnson, sisters, Dorothy (Chip) Lockie and Judy (Jim) Shea, sister-in-law Betty Regan and 14 grandchildren.

Condolences may be sent to LaVonne, Regan, 460 Cobblestone Road, Avon, Indiana 46123-4619.

[ From www.mcpress.com July 12, 2007 ]