Obituary of James Anthony Velikan

James A. Velikan, 84, of Indianapolis, IN passed away on March 9, 2024.  He was born in June 2, 1939 to Frank and Caroline Brodnik Velikan.

James graduated from Washington High School in 1957. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University in 1961. He worked for Naval Avionics for the Department of Defense  for 37 years.  Then moved to SAIC, where he worked for 16 years. James was a member of the Slovenian National Home, KSKJ, and Slovenian Union of America. He was a bowler, competing in National Tournaments and enjoyed participating in the  weekly bowling leagues through KSKJ and NAWC. James was an avid sports fan loving the Cubs, Bears, Cleveland (Indians) Guardians, and a Purdue football season ticket holder for over 53 years. He was a member of the John Purdue Club.  He also loved the outdoors, canoeing boundary waters several times and even building his own canoe in 1985.  A member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church until its closing in 2014, at which time  he became a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. 

James was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Caroline Velikan, his wife of 42 years, Judith Leffler Velikan, and his brothers Frank Velikan and Daniel Velikan. He is survived by his daughter Jennifer Velikan; nephews Jeffrey Velikan, Phil Velikan, Christopher Velikan, Frank Velikan, Greg Velikan, KC Leffler, Nathan Leffler, Randy Velikan, Jacob Leffler, Brian Leffler, Kevin Leffler, Eric Leffler, and Ryan Crum; nieces Victoria Velikan, Paula Velikan, Diane Hilligoss, Sarah Velikan, Kelly Nadeau, Angie Therber, Jill Skelton and Laura Gorr. He is also survived by many cousins as well as great nieces and nephews. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly ask that memorial contributions be made to the Slovenian National Home   2717 W 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46222