Jim Teter

July 20, 1930 – August 5, 2025

James Fredrick “Jim” Teter, also known as Papaw Fred, Teter, Dad, Grandad, Daddy, Freddie, and Uncle, passed away at his home in Sheridan on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Born July 20, 1930, in Sheridan, he was the son of the late H. Beecher and Mary A. (Buzan) Teter.

Shortly after graduating from Sheridan High School with the Class of 1948, Jim was running around with six other friends when one of them said, “Hey, we should join the Army.” At that time, we were in the midst of the Korean War, so they all looked at each other and agreed, and the next day all seven of them (Harley Hobson, Jack Inman, Glen Hancock, Johnny Rood, Jim McKinzie, Bill Small, and Jim) marched down to the draft office and signed up. He was the last remaining member of that special group. Jim was proud of his years spent serving his country, and always loved spending time with fellow veterans.

He was a life member of the VFW and a very active member of the K.V. Elliott American Legion Post 67 in Sheridan. His afternoon trips to the Legion were always a welcome part of the day, and a couple of beers and some good conversation with his Legion family was a great way to end one. Jim had a deep respect for anyone who served their country, and quietly did his part to keep their memories alive. Every Memorial Day, Jim made sure that all the veterans who were buried in and around the Sheridan area had a flag placed on their graves. He never made a big to-do about it; it was his personal way of saying “thank you for your service.” During the last seven months of his life he was a resident of Maple Park Village in Westfield. It was during his stay that he was given a Korean War veteran hat by a fellow service member. Jim wasn’t much of a hat wearer during his lifetime, but that all changed when he received his gift. From that day forward, he wore it every day.

When Jim returned home from the service, he went to work for Biddle Manufacturing in Sheridan. After 40 years of dedicated service to the company, he decided it was time to give retirement a try. This gave Jim the time (at least 30 years’ worth) to devote to the things that gave him the most joy, including keeping up with horse racing and heading over to Thorntown for Stookey’s catfish.

All who knew Jim knew that he was equal parts stubborn and ornery (which made him quite the character), combined with a caring and generous streak (especially when it came to animals) that did not waver. He laughed at his own jokes and always had an opinion to share. Advice from Jim was freely given, though not always asked for, but usually ended up being what you needed to hear. He also enjoyed traveling, Colorado being one of his favorite destinations. In 1958, he and his wife Ann, along with Gene and Phyllis Buzan, made the trip out west, and it remained one of the places he always wanted to return to.

Above all else, he truly loved his family. One of his favorite activities was attending local fundraiser breakfasts with his grandson Brad. They would hit all the hot spots throughout the year – Pickard Masonic Lodge, Lions Club, Rotary, and the Sheridan Masonic Lodge, just to name a few. He helped create memories that will last a lifetime.

Jim is survived by son, Michael S. Teter (Lori) of Sheridan; daughter, Terri L. Millikan of Noblesville; four grandchildren, Bradley J. Millikan (Pam) of Kempton, Cody Lawson of Sheridan, Tanner Lawson of Sheridan, and Lance Mathews (Alicia) of Denver; and one great-grandchild, Riley Mathews.

He was preceded in death by parents, H. Beecher and Mary A. (Buzan) Teter; grandson, Clayton Lawson; great-grandson, Travis Mathews; two brothers, Richard Teter and Robert E. Teter; sister, Ruth E. Tolle; and by the loved of his life, his wife, Carol Ann (Fancher) Teter on July 14, 2000. She and Jim were married on November 22, 1952, and were blessed with 48 wonderful years together.

Graveside rites with military honors will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Crown View Cemetery, 4056 W. State Road 38, Sheridan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd., Kanab, UT 84741-5000; the Humane Society for Hamilton County, 10501 Hague Rd., Fishers, IN 46038; or the Sheridan American Legion, 406 E. 10th St., Sheridan, IN 46069.

Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com