William James Erwin III (Jim) died from prostate cancer on July 2, 2017. Jim was born in Cookeville, Tenn., on April 16, 1948, son of William James Erwin and Anna Helen (Johnston) Erwin.
Jim attended Tennessee Technological University, earning a Bachelors in Engineering Science. He subsequently earned a Master of Public Administration from Indiana University. Jim was proud to be a Sigma Chi, especially when son Will likewise became a Sigma Chi during his college years. He always had a ready story about his adventures as a Sigma Chi.
Jim worked 29 years at Naval Avionics Center and then ten additional years at Raytheon. He was pleased with the varied programs he was able to participate in, but even more so with the friendships he had with coworkers and customers.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Beth (LeBeau) Erwin; daughters, Julia Beth Erwin, and Lisa Marie Mumaugh (Brian); and son, William James Erwin IV (Amy); one sister, Joanna Erwin Rankin (Robert); three first cousins, Robert Andrew Batts, Mary Janelle Wolaver Mitten (John), and Carol Ann Wolaver Magyar (John). Jim had five grandchildren, Braylon Kerney Mumaugh, William James Erwin V, Annabel Marie Mumaugh, Benjamin Cormick Erwin, and Sawyer Rhys Erwin.
Jim was an incredible human, citizen, father, and friend. He was eternally kind, helpful, thoughtful, and fair. He never greeted anyone with anything but a smile and a genuine interest in knowing people. He could not have set a better example of being friendly to all for his children. He and Mary Beth raised a family filled with love and laughter. Jim also had hobbies and interests that he shared with his kids…history, the outdoors, the Indy 500, fishing, a fierce love of music, and genealogy. Nothing made him happier than family and an evening of storytelling, cold beers, music, and friends.
A celebration of life gathering will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 6, at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield. A celebration of life service will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 7, also at the mortuary.
Jim would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Urology of Indiana, Community Regional Cancer Center, and the Sue Ann Wortman Cancer Center for the excellent treatment he received and for their professional and positive manner. Jim wants to thank the City of Greenfield, his and Mary’s home for the past 40 years, and not just the usual public safety departments but also the utilities, street and parks departments for all they do to make Greenfield a safe and comfortable place to live and raise a family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made by mail to the Sue Ann Wortman Cancer Center, 801 N. State St, Greenfield, IN 46140 or Hancock Regional Hospice 801 N. State St, Greenfield, IN 46140. Envelopes will be available at the mortuary.
Friends may share a memory or a condolence at erleweinmortuary.com.
