James Edward Wolfe

James Edward Wolfe, age 88, of Newburgh, IN, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on Sunday, March 9, 2025.

James was born on January 22, 1937, in Chapel Hill, TN, to Ernest Marvin Wolfe and Ilean (Smith) Wolfe. He spent his early years in Alabama, living in several areas of the South before settling in Evansville, IN, and attending Old Central High School. James was known for working the hardest and complaining the least, starting his first job at just 10 years old selling ice cream on a pushcart, before quickly being promoted to a pedal cart. Over the years, he held many jobs, from setting bowling pins to teaching roller skating, before finding his lifelong career with CSX Railroad, where he retired 43 years later as a Conductor. After retiring, James enjoyed working on anything with an engine and tending to his large vegetable garden. He started every morning bright and early with the local newspaper. He loved country music, cold beer, watching the races, ice cream, and could never pass up a good bargain at Mother Teresa Treasures.

Though he will be fondly remembered for these attributes, his true impact lives on in the time, effort, and love he devoted to his family. Through his quiet, everyday acts, his legacy endures. He devoted countless hours, immeasurable love, occasional advice, and many car rides to his children and grandchildren, cherishing every moment spent with them.

Above all, James’s greatest joy was his wife, Jennie, with whom he shared 52 years of marriage. Their love was evident in every evening they spent simply holding hands and watching TV together. James’s devotion to his family and his love for Jennie will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

James was cherished by his wife of 52 years, Jennie (Wells) Wolfe; daughter, Christa Wolfe; sons, Jeff Wolfe, Jim Wolfe (Dianne), Steven Wolfe, Mark Wolfe (Malea), Robert “Bobby” Brown, and James “Jim” Brown; 15 grandchildren: Heather Martin, Jennifer Brumley, Kelsey O’Risky, Kiley Goff, Katie Wolfe, Kayden Bonnell, Fallon Bonnell,  Ripley Schenk, Taylor Wolfe, Jessee Redfairn, David Brown, Ashley Brown, Amanda Wolfe, Kelsie Wolfe, and Donald Brown. 13 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

James is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Ilean Wolfe; and brothers, Ernest Wolfe, Albert Wolfe, Franklin Wolfe, and Anthony Wolfe.

Funeral Services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, March 16, 2025, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville. Burial will be Private.

Friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until service time, 4:00 p.m., Sunday, March 16, 2025, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: Mother Teresa Treasures at 625 Frame Road, Newburgh, IN 47630 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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

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