James' Obituary
James Fenn, 82, of West Lafayette, entered his eternal home at 9:21 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, passing peacefully at his residence with his family around him. We find comfort in knowing he is held in God’s embrace, guided by the faith in Christ that shaped his life.
Jim was born on May 10, 1944, in South Bend, Indiana, to Emil and Pauline (Fry) Fenn. A proud 1962 graduate of James Whitcomb Riley High School, Jim’s life changed forever during those school years when he met his sweetheart, Mary Ann Hamilton. They married on June 10, 1967, and spent 59 beautiful years together, building a life filled with love and laughter.
Jim graduated from Ball State University in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, a degree he put to good use throughout his 40‑year career at Purdue University. Over the years, he served in the School of Chemistry, the School of Pharmacy, and as an Assistant for Academic Affairs. He later worked in the Office of the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and as an Assistant to the President for Special Programs. In that role, he played an integral part in planning major university events, including commencements, building groundbreakings, naming ceremonies, and dedications. One of the highlights of his career was coordinating a special speaking engagement with President George W. Bush. A true people person, Jim cherished the many friendships he formed with faculty, staff, and students, and took great pride in ensuring that every event reflected the very best of Purdue.
Mr. Fenn gave generously of his time both to Purdue University and to the greater Lafayette community. He served on the Purdue Alumni Association Board of Directors, participated in the President’s Council, and was a Faculty Fellow in the Residence Halls. Outside the university, he volunteered as a United Way Coordinator, was active in the Rotary Club, and served on the Board of Directors for the Lafayette Adult Resource Academy (LARA). He was also the Special Events Coordinator for the American Diabetes Association and was a member of the City of West Lafayette Redevelopment Commission.
Jim and his wife, Mary Ann, were devoted members of Covenant Church in West Lafayette for 30 years. They later joined the team that helped plant Riverside Covenant Church, where they have been faithful members for the past 25 years.
Jim’s greatest joy in life was his children and grandchildren. Nothing made him happier than cheering from the sidelines at his grandkids’ sporting events. He also loved cycling the roads and trails of West Lafayette, ultimately pedaling more than 30,000 miles. One of his favorite adventures was a trip with his son, Paul, biking through the boroughs of New York City—ending with a surprise family gathering waiting for them in Central Park. Jim and Mary Ann shared a love of travel, exploring the United States and visiting places like Italy, England, Scotland, Switzerland, Ireland and Nicaragua. They especially treasured their kayak outings on Magician Lake in Dowagiac, Michigan. Jim also found deep peace and joy in the mountains of Colorado, with Colorado Springs holding a special place in his heart.
Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Ann, and their children: Rebecca Pietsch (James) of Crawfordsville, IN, and Paul Fenn (Elizabeth) of Severna Park, MD. He dearly loved his grandchildren—Matthew (Hannah), Gregory, and Benjamin Pietsch, and Kiley, Dylan, and Lawson Fenn—and held a special place in his heart for his many nieces, nephews, and close friends.
Friends may gather from 12 p.m. (noon) until the memorial service begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Hartzler Clapper Funeral Home, 101 West 4th St., Brookston, IN. The service will be led by his friend, Pastor Rob Eyman. A private interment to occur at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens Cemetery in West Lafayette.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions in Jim’s name to the Lafayette Adult Resource Academy (LARA), the Ball State University Alumni Association, or any charity meaningful to you.
