January 11, 1944 – March 9, 2026
On March 9, 2026, James Alvin Petty, Fortville, Ind., passed away in the floodwaters of the East Fork of White River as he was driving to his beloved cabin.
Jim was born on January 11, 1944, at Methodist Hospital and grew up in rural Fortville, where he lived with his parents, Burrel and Pauline (Barley) Petty, a sister, and three brothers. He attended Fortville schools before graduating in 1962 from Vernon Township High School.
Jim attended Butler University on an athletic scholarship, studying English, health, and physical education, and competing on the Bulldog track and basketball teams. His 2003 induction into the BU Athletic Hall of Fame was based on athletic successes including the 1966 Big State, Little State, and Conference championships in both long jump and triple jump; two-time selection as track MVP; and three-year career in varsity basketball. Jim revered Coach Tony Hinkle and honored Hinkle’s great influence over his life, character, and coaching career.
Jim earned a Master’s degree from Purdue University during his 21-year career in education. He taught in New Market, Carroll (Flora), Hamilton Heights, and Decatur Central High Schools, and served as head coach of cross country, basketball, and track and field teams. Several sectional, conference, and individual championships make up his coaching resume. More importantly, numerous athletes and other students recall lessons learned from Coach/Mr. Petty in the areas of commitment, integrity, loyalty, determination, teamwork, and goal setting.
After retiring from education, Jim established Petty Contracting and worked for 38 years as a general contractor. He specialized in roofing, room additions, renovations, and training a succession of young men – including his grandsons and their sons and friends – in hard work, carpentry, responsibility, and friendship.
Jim’s passions included raising, training, and hunting with bird dogs; improving and enjoying his cabin near Shoals, Ind.; attending Butler basketball and Boston Red Sox baseball games; and watching his family mature and expand. He was extremely proud of his family and emphasized the importance of maintaining strong family ties.
A large family and many friends mourn Jim’s sudden passing. He is survived by his wife, Annetta DeMoss Petty; his sister, Sandra Joan Brown; children, Andrea (Ken) Clarkson, Guy (Jamie) Petty, Paula Petty, and Beryl Petty; grandchildren, Jacob (Clarissa) Clarkson, Nicholas (Sarah) Clarkson, Emily Clarkson, Taylor (Morgan) Clarkson, Justin (Whitney) Petty, Adrienne (Mike) Meyer, and Bo Redd; 14 great-grandchildren; first wife and lasting friend, Dorinda Arnold; and many nieces and nephews and their families. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Jerry, Glenn, and Robert Petty.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. U.S. Hwy. 40, Greenfield. A funeral service will be held at noon on Wednesday, March 25.
Memorial contributions be sent to First National Bank, ATTN: Troy Sprinkle, c/o (and payable to) the Beryl K. Petty Special Needs Trust, 1627 U.S. 40, Clayton, IN 46118.
Friends may share a memory or condolence at erleweinmortuary.com.