Obituary of James Michael McMechan

James Michael McMechan Obituary:

James Michael McMechan was born September 14, 1962, to Charla Joy Major McMechan and James Arthur McMechan.  He grew up on a Union County, Indiana farm.  Growing up he was very active in 4-H, holding numerous leadership positions and awards including Grand Champion of the Demonstration/Public Speaking contest at the Indiana State Fair.  He was honored as a 10-year active 4-H participant. He was a National Merit Scholar and Valedictorian of the Union County High School Class of 1981. Four years later, he received a degree in accounting from Butler University in Indianapolis where he earned a top ten designation for academic achievement, was president of his senior class, and was an active member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity which he served as treasurer for three years.

Following graduation, Jim worked at Ernst and Young as a Senior Tax Manager for nine years and worked at Anthem since 1995 - ending his career as a Staff Vice President of Tax. Throughout his career, Jim was actively involved with the Indiana CPA Society and the Tax Executives Institute. Besides his subject matter expertise, Jim prided himself in his skills as a people-focused manager and took great care with his team over the years many of whom became close friends.

Jim routinely gave his time and resources to support the communities he was a part of and causes he believed in. He was active with Child Advocates and St. Christopher’s Catholic Church. He was an avid Cincinnati Reds, Butler Basketball, and Indy Eleven fan. He was also a loving brother and uncle and an incredibly supportive father. Jim attended both of his children’s school and sports events throughout the years, regularly helping with the scorebook and stats at soccer, basketball, baseball, and lacrosse games. He accompanied Joni to Miss America events, traveled to St. Louis and Tallahassee and NYU Zoom to watch Mac perform in plays, visited Eric and Boe in Atlanta where he dutifully played fetch and tug with his grand-dog, and recently enjoyed sharing time in Anna Maria Island with Andrew as he worked on his first novel. 

Jim is survived by his children Mac McMechan and Eric McMechan, his sister, Joni Checchia, his brother-in-law, Paul Checchia, and his nephew, Andrew Checchia. He is preceded in death by both of his parents.

A memorial visitation is taking place at Stevens Mortuary at 5520 W 10^th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana on January 2, 2025, from 4-8pm and services will take place at St. Christopher Catholic Church at 5301 W 16^th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana on January 3, 2025, at 10am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to Child Advocates (childadvocates.net).