COLUMBUS
James D. Strietelmeier, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025, at the age of 87, in Columbus Indiana. Born March 25, 1937, in Bartholomew County, to the late Joe and Ruth Finkel Strietelmeier. Jim’s life was a journey of dedication, love, and service. On January 20th,1962 Jim married the love of his life, Jacklyn Ann Poffenberger, and together they embarked on a life filled with joy and love. Jim was a loving father to Beth (Scott) Ballard and Joe (Angie)Strietelmeier. He loved spending time with his Grandchildren Chase (Sierra) Ballard, Kirsten Ann Ballard, Parker James Ballard, Lukas James Strietelmeier, and Bret Arnold Strietelmeier. Jim had a close relationship with his surviving siblings Joanne (Dudley) Daniel, Jerry (Diana) Strietelmeier and sister-in law Gerri Strietelmeier. He was proceeded in death by his parents and brother John Strietelmeier. He was very close to his many nieces and nephews and with his great nieces and nephews. Many weekends were spent at swim meets, cross-country meets, golf matches, and ball games.
Professionally, James started his banking career at Irwin Union Bank in 1959 in Columbus Indiana. He spent 10 years working at First Bank and Trust in Speedway Indiana before moving back to Columbus in 1974. He was the first employee at Columbus Bank and was named President in 1976. He remained at Columbus Bank as President until 1987. In 1987 he purchased L&N Surgical and ran this business until returning to banking in 1988. In 1988 Jackie and Jim moved from Columbus to Anderson where Jim became President and CEO of Citizens Banking Company. Citizens was acquired by Key Bank where Jim retired in August of 1997 after 38 years in banking. After a short time in retirement, he was invited to join Star Financial Bank where he also served on the board of directors.
Jim was a member of the Columbus High School Bulldog Basketball team and was on the first team to play in the “new gym” now called Memorial gym. He graduated from Franklin College with a degree in Economics and Business Administration where he was member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Later becoming a graduate of the School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin.
Jim was very active in the community. He was responsible for starting Popfest in 1980, served as chairman of the board for Anderson Community Hospital, was on the Board of Works in Columbus Indiana for several years, actively helped small business owners as a volunteer for SCORE, and served as Chairman of the board of directors for Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance Group. He further served as treasurer of the local Kiwanis Club, United Way, Harrison Lake Country Club and Indiana Bankers Association. He was a Founding board member for Lutheran Child &Family Services Foundation. Jim was also a very active member at St. Peters Lutheran Church.
Jim loved spending time on his family farm and enjoyed many summers with his family at Lutheran Lake. He enjoyed watching sports, playing golf with friends, and especially cherished spending time with his family.
The funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church with Pastor John Cordery and Pastor Tim Carter officiating.
Family and friends may gather for a time of visitation from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday at Barkes, Weaver &Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street and 9:30 a.m. to time of service Monday at the church. Mr. Strietelmeier will be laid to rest at the Garland Brook Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Condolences and special memories may be shared with the Strietelmeier family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com
