James Ralph Petty, Jr.

James Ralph Petty, Jr., also known as Babe, age 66, of Evansville, IN, passed away in the early morning hours on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at home.

James was born October 2, 1958, in Evansville, IN, to Ralph and Virginia (Melton) Petty. He attended Central High School and loved watching the Gaither Gospel Hour every Saturday. James had a passion for working on cars, and he was the owner and operator of JP Auto, serving his community for over 30 years. James was a true American who loved his country, loved collecting eagles, and especially loved American-made cars. He was a friend and a help to many. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Darlene (Price) Petty, his daughter, Erica Morrison (Nick); his two boys, Michael Petty and James Petty (Sarah); four grandkids; one great grandkid; brothers, Mark Petty (Cindy), Jerry Petty, and Norman Petty; sisters-in-law, Denise Hudson and Betty Petty; parents-in-law, Jim and Pearl Price; and many nieces and nephews.

James is preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and Ralph Petty, his beloved daughter, Jamie Lynn Petty, who was the first Evansville recipient for Make-A-Wish; brother, James Lee Petty; and sister-in-law, Becky Petty.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. CST, Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville, IN, with Pastor Lorraine Herrick officiating. Burial will be Private.

Friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until service at 3:00 p.m. CST, Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel.

A Live Stream will be available beginning twenty minutes prior to the service time. Please visit www.boonefuneralhome.net, select your loved one’s obituary, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click Live Stream.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: Make-A-Wish (Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana, Central Kentucky & Southern Indiana Market) at 1230 Liberty Bank Lane, Suite 300, Louisville, KY 40222.

Boone Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of James Ralph Petty, Jr. Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net

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