James “Jim” H. Puckett, aged 92, passed away peacefully on February 29, 2024, in Fairland, Indiana. Born November 16, 1931, in Munfordville, Kentucky, he built a life centered on family, faith, community service, and a long career in local business and civic engagement. Jim is remembered for his devotion to his wife of nearly six decades, Alice “Mitzi” Meredith Puckett; their three children; and the countless lives he touched through church leadership and volunteer work.

Summary

Early Life and Education

Jim Puckett was born on November 16, 1931, in Munfordville, Kentucky, to William Walton Puckett and Ivy Lela Puckett.
He grew up in a close‐knit household, learning the values of hard work and compassion from his parents.
After completing his primary schooling locally, Jim attended Fairland High School, graduating in 1949, where he was active in student government and the school choir

Marriage and Family

Meeting Alice “Mitzi” Meredith: Jim first met the love of his life, Alice Meredith, by chance at a drive‐in outing in 1953.
Wedding and Partnership: They married in 1954 and enjoyed 57 years of marriage until Mitzi’s passing in 2011. Together they raised three children––Michael, Susan, and David––and later celebrated the joys of grandchildren and great‐grandchildren
Family Man: Known affectionately as “Papaw,” Jim cherished family gatherings, holiday traditions, and annual fishing trips with his grandchildren

Career and Community Involvement

Business Career

Jim spent over four decades as a partner in Puckett & Sons Feed Supply in Fairland, where his honesty, integrity, and commitment to customer service made the business a local fixture

Church and Civic Service

Faith Leadership: An active member of Fairland First Baptist Church, Jim served as a deacon for 25 years and was instrumental in organizing mission trips and local food drives
Volunteer Work: He volunteered weekly at the town’s senior center, taught adult Sunday School classes, and coached youth baseball for many seasons, instilling sportsmanship and teamwork in hundreds of local children

Personal Interests and Legacy

Hobbies: Jim loved woodworking, restoring classic cars, and tending a generous home garden whose bounty he shared with neighbors.
Community Impact: His decades‐long commitment to service earned him a lifetime achievement award from the Fairland Chamber of Commerce in 2019
Values: He was admired for his quiet wisdom, warm sense of humor, and unwavering generosity.

Funeral and Memorial Details

Visitation: Sunday, March 3, 2024, from 2:00–6:00 p.m. at Fairland First Baptist Church, 101 Main Street, Fairland, IN.
Service: Monday, March 4, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the same venue, officiated by Pastor William Johnson.
Burial: Fairland Cemetery, immediately following the service.
Memorial Gifts: In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Fairland Senior Center or Fairland Food Bank in Jim’s

Survived By

Children: Michael Puckett (Laura), Susan Thompson (Mark), and David Puckett (Erica).
Grandchildren: Emily, John, Sarah, Kevin, and Colleen.
Great-grandchildren: Two, with one on the way this spring.
Siblings: Sister, Margaret “Peggy” Lawson of Louisville, KY.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alice “Mitzi” Puckett, and his parents.

Jim Puckett’s life exemplified dedication—to family, faith, and community. He leaves a legacy of kindness and service that will continue through all who were fortunate enough to know him. His memory lives on in the hearts and actions of his loved ones and the broader Fairland community.