James A. Kohlmeyer

NEW HARMONY - James “Jim” Allen Kohlmeyer, 62, died Tuesday, January 30, 2007, at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville. He was the owner and editor of The Posey County New since 1982. Prior to purchasing the newspaper, Jim served in the U.S. Army from 1966-1968. In the early 70’s, he worked in public relations with USAC overseeing the Marlboro Championship publicity. He was also a part of the entourage that went to Raphael, Argentina for the championship race in 1971. He worked for John Bishop at IMSA (professional sports car governing body) as Director of Public Relations. Before returning to Posey County, he also worked for the Indiana Motor Truck Association. He worked as a sports writer for the Evansville Press after leaving Indianapolis. He was a member of the Johnson United Methodist Church. He was formerly a member of Caborn United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Republican Party, where he was the former Posey County chairman. He was also a member of American Legion Post 370, Masonic Lodge 632 and VFW Post 6576. Jim graduated from North Posey High School in 1962. Following high school, he attended Evansville College where he studied journalism and art. He was member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He was preceded in death by his father, Carl A. Kohlmeyer, his nephew, Gregory Schmitt his niece, Amy Schmitt, and grandparents, Walter and Matilda Seifert and Alfred and Minnie Kohlmeyer. He is survived by his wife, Donna Smith Kohlmeyer, mother, Mildred L. Kohlmeyer, sister Melody Schmitt and her husband, Larry, nephew, Michael Schmitt, two step-children, Lori Forrester and her husband Tom, David Patton and his wife Janelle, four grandchildren, Andrew Forrester, Marra, Emily and Darin Patton, several aunts and uncles and his cat, JJ. He will be remembered by his family and friends as an optimistic, friendly and easy-going loving person that enjoyed life. He knew no strangers and believed he lived in paradise. He was a huge fan of the Evansville Otters and the University of Evansville Purple Aces. He was a heart transplant recipient in April 2003 and was a donor himself. He was a big advocate for organ donation. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 until 8:00 PM, Friday at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street in Evansville. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 AM, Saturday, February 3 at the Rapp-Owen Granary in New Harmony. Burial will follow at St. Johns Cemetery at Caborn. In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorial contributions to Johnson United Methodist Church, 402 Raintree, New Harmony, IN 47631. Family and friends unable to attend may leave condolences online at www.pierrefuneralhome.com

James A. Kohlmeyer

June 17, 1944 - January 30, 2007