James Reidhaar

James Reidhaar, 72, passed away on May 29, 2025, in Emerald Isle, North Carolina. Born on July 29, 1952, in Evansville, Indiana, James lived an enthusiastic life rich in creativity, learning, and love for his family.

A lifelong learner and educator, James graduated from Bishop Luers High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1969. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Indiana University in Bloomington in 1976 and then a Master of Arts from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Later in his career, James completed a Master of Media Arts at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis in 2002. James dedicated more than three decades to teaching Graphic Design at Indiana University Bloomington. He also contributed his artistic talents to the Bloomington community by organizing several conferences and spearheading various art initiatives.

He had a vibrant personality that would light up a room. He had a deep appreciation for music and art that enriched every aspect of his life. Some of his favorite activities were gardening, letterpress printing and exploring the country by car. One of his favorite sayings was: “It’s the going there, not the getting there, that’s good.”

Family was always at the heart of James’s life. He cherished time spent with his grandchildren - playing games, telling stories, or watching them ant the playground. He prioritized making lasting memories during family road trips and shared adventures.

He is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Rebecca Schwope (David) and Paula Farnell (Robert); grandchildren, Matthew, Alison, and Joshua Schwope, and Liam and Madeline Farnell.

James was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathy (Baker) Reidhaar; his parents, Paul and Florence (Stahlschmidt) Reidhaar; and siblings Barbara (Reidhaar) Parnin, and Steve Reidhaar.

May James’ memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved him and continue to inspire all who were touched by his warmth and zest for life.

A celebration of James’ life will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, June 9, 2025, at Browning Funeral Home, 738 Diamond Ave, Evansville, Indiana 47711. Burial will follow at Saint Joseph Cemetery, 2500 Mesker Park Dr. A lunch will be held at Browning Funeral Home Gathering Place immediately following the burial. All are welcome to attend a visitation from 9-11 am on Monday, June 9th at Browning Funeral Home.

For those unable to attend, you may live stream James' service by going to https://www.browningfuneral.com/live-stream/newpage.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Audubon Society, World Wildlife Fund, or American Diabetes Association.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noebrooks.net

Arrangements by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home & Crematory of Morehead City, NC.