December 27, 1932 – August 4, 2025
James Gordon “Jim” Sanborn, Jr., 92, Sheridan, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday morning, August 4, 2025, at Maple Park Village in Westfield. Born December 27, 1932, in Shanghai, China, he was the son of the late James Gordon Sanborn, Sr. and Allie Marie (Daugh) Sanborn.
Growing up in the rural Shanghai countryside, Jim learned about the horrors of war at a young age. He and his family were moved into one of the Japanese concentration camps on the Chinese mainland, and for the next several years would learn how to adapt and survive in this unimaginable environment. During his years in camp, he garnered a fondness for Navy war planes that would fly over the camp, dropping food rations to the prisoners. As they flew over, he remembered saluting the planes, and they would respond back with tipping their wings toward the ground. This not only fueled Jim’s already healthy fascination with airplanes but also fostered a desire to join the military when he was old enough.
After the camps were emptied, Jim, along with his two sisters, Allie and Carol, came to live with relatives in Danville, Ind. From there, he went to attend Friendsville Academy in Tennessee, where he graduated as valedictorian of his high school class. Education was always a priority for Jim, so college was the next logical step. He enrolled at Maryville College with the intention of working toward a degree in aeronautical engineering, but he struggled with his mathematics classes. They were working on types of math that his previous school had never studied. His first year was not what he thought it would be.
After his disappointing freshman college year, Jim decided to join the military. The Korean War was going on, and he had been reading about the opportunities to serve as part of the Army’s airborne division. He proudly served his country from 1953 to 1956 as a part of both the 11th Airborne and the 82nd Airborne divisions.
After his service was complete, Jim was not satisfied with how his first attempt at college went. After taking some career advice from a fellow serviceman, he decided to make another attempt at higher education. He studied art and earned his bachelor’s degree from Maryville College, as well as master’s degree from Ball State University, all with the help of the GI Bill.
Given how he felt about the importance of an education, it should come as no surprise that he pursued a career in teaching. Most of Jim’s teaching career was spent teaching art within the Marion-Adams School District (now Sheridan Community Schools). To say he was just an art teacher would be a huge understatement. He loved the kids and found many other ways to be involved in their lives. For many years he was the wrestling coach at Sheridan, as well as an assistant track coach. He absolutely loved coaching the chess team, watching them grow as both players and competitors. One of the most valuable lessons that he ever taught his students was to never stop learning. He also taught for a short time in Virginia, as well as at Taylor High School in Indiana.
Jim had a wide and varied list of things that he loved, and at the top of that list was his family. Spending quality time with family and friends was always the most important part of anything he did, and he enjoyed combining that special time with his other interests. Jim was a pilot, and loved flying to different destinations, but some of his favorites were the flights to visit his daughter at college. His love of travel led him to many places, with Germany, Puerto Vallarta, and Florida being some of his favorite trips, but there was one destination that remained on his bucket-list: a return trip back home to China. Unfortunately, he was never able to make the journey. Another trip that he was privileged to be able to share with one of his friends, Les Pence, was to be a part of one of Indiana’s Honor Flights.
He had a love for horses and enjoyed fishing and camping with his cousin. He was a devoted Pacers (and Reggie Miller) fan and attended several games throughout the years. Jim also had a competitive streak a mile wide, especially when it came to Euchre and Bridge. He continued to indulge his creative side by carving canoes and sculpting, as well as authoring multiple books, with the encouragement of his wife, Pat, delving into his past life experiences.
In addition to the many activities Jim was passionate about, he was also very involved in many organizations. He was a member of the Sheridan First United Methodist Church, Hinkle Masonic Lodge F&AM 310, the Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis, the Hamilton County Art Association, the WW II Round Table, and the KV Elliott American Legion Post 67 in Sheridan, where he faithfully served as Chaplain of their Military Honors detail for many years.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Patricia Ann (Carlile) Sanborn. She and Jim were married on June 19, 1971. Also surviving is his daughter, Amy Eve Marie Sanborn (Jennifer) of Pendleton; eight grandchildren, Justin, Faith, Olivia, Ashley, AJ, Luke, Amillia, and Osiah; five great-grandchildren, Ainsley, Bae, Calliste “Callie,” Jacquelin “Jack,” and Alayia; sister, Allie Marie Sanborn of Pennsylvania; and by his canine BFF, Molly. Boy, did he love Molly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Gordon Sanborn, Sr. and Allie Marie (Daugh) Sanborn; and by his sister, Carol Ann Wallace.
A celebration of Jim’s life with military honors will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Sheridan First United Methodist Church, 207 E. 2nd St., Sheridan. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of service, with Masonic Services starting at 3:30 p.m. Pastor John Meunier will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to the Sheridan First United Methodist Church, or to Maple Park Village in Westfield.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com