Westport
James David Stults I, 77 of Westport, passed away at 8:55 p.m. Friday, September 16, 2016, at his residence, after battling prostate cancer for four years.
He was born Sept. 21, 1938, at his grandparents’ house in rural Jennings County. He was the son of Edward Wesley Stults and Bonnie (Pack) Stults Henderson. He spent his youth in Jennings County and graduated from North Vernon High School in 1956. He had lived in varying sites around the world while serving 27-and-a-half years in the U.S. Navy and spent the last 30 years in Westport. He received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and in Physics from the University of Louisville. He retired from the U.S. Navy in 1985. He came to Westport where he owned and operated Stults Outdoor Products, where he serviced lawnmowers, small engines and go karts. He became very active in the community.
His memberships include the Westport Area Business Association, International King Midget Car Club, Holland Club of the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc., Tree County Players, Decatur County Arts & Cultural Council and the Decatur County Community Foundation. He worked hard to ensure that others have the opportunity to enjoy lots of arts and cultural activities. He spent time promoting Westport as a great place to live. He was instrumental in bringing Wheaton Tubing to Westport and became its first manager. Dave also served on the Westport Town Board. In 1987 he received the Kiwanis Community Service Award. He retired from the Navy in 1985 after 27-and-a-half years of service. At retirement, he held the rank of commander. He served in the submarine service and officer corp. during the Vietnam Era.
Dave is survived by sons, Clifford (Lisa) Stults of Brown County and James Stults II of Long Beach, California; sisters, Rachel Wade of Yuma, Arizona and Naomi Whitt of Madison; brothers, Thomas (Mona) Stults of Yukon, Oklahoma and John (Vicki) Stults of Columbus; granddaughter, Macie Stults of Franklin; step-granddaughters, Destinee Storvick of Franklin and Miranda Whitmore of Columbus; six step-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and former wife, Jayne Stults.
The funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, September 22, 2016, at the Bass & Gasper Funeral Home with the Rev. Steve Malone officiating. Burial will follow at the Westport Cemetery with military graveside rites. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made through the funeral home to the Westport Area Business Association, Tree County Players or the Decatur County Community Foundation.
Online condolences can be made to the family at www.bassgasper.com.
