James Weldon "Jim" Gresham

James Weldon “Jim” Gresham, 76, Georgetown, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at Norton Brownsboro Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky after a prolonged illness.  His wife of 52 years and family were by his side. 

He was born in New Albany, Indiana, to the late Weldon “Red” and Mary Ailene Gresham.

Jim spent his early years in New Albany and his family moved to Jeffersonville, Indiana when he was in eighth grade.  He graduated from Jeffersonville High School where he was an outstanding athlete for the Red Devils, playing baseball, track and field, and football. It was in football that he made his mark, being selected as an Indiana All-State fullback his senior year.  Jim was recruited to play football by several colleges and universities and chose to sign with the University of Kentucky, where he played under coach Charlie Bradshaw.  He was proud to play for the Wildcats and earned a varsity letter as a defensive nose guard.  He was scouted by several pro football teams, but his football career was cut short by a serious knee injury.  

At UK Jim majored in Physical Education and Special Education.  After receiving his Bachelor’s degree he received a fellowship to continue his studies and obtained a Masters in Special Education. While in school he worked at the Lincoln School for Gifted, Socially Deprived Children located in Simpsonville, Kentucky.  

On August 16,1969, he married Jannifer Lynn Edwards of Danville, Kentucky.  After graduation, they moved back to Indiana where Jim worked as Director of Recreation for the city of Jeffersonville.  He was then appointed as the first director of Clark-Floyd Youth, Inc (Regional Youth Services) which placed troubled youth in foster homes.  

In 1972 Jim became employed by the New Albany-Floyd County School system.  Over the next 29 years he taught Special Education and was an assistant football coach at Floyd Central High School and taught at Mt Tabor Elementary School. At Mt Tabor “Mr. G” worked with students in a therapy pool to learn basic water survival skills and to provide physical movement.  Many former students have kept in touch over the years and called periodically to let him know how they were faring. During his tenure as a teacher, Jim was inducted into the Mu Psi chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, an Honor Society in Education.  He also completed an additional 30 hours of classes above his Masters degree.  His career in education ended when he was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer.  

Jim’s interests and hobbies were many.  He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, camping, bicycling with the Southern Indiana Wheelmen, golf, barbequing, cooking, reading, Motown music and was passionate about tailgating at UK football games. He also enjoyed UK baseball and while unable to attend this year, he watched all of the games through the playoffs.  

While he was coaching football he started a trophy and awards business, Custom Awards, and many Floyd County youth sports and school students were recipients of awards that he made.  

He had many friends and acquaintances who he kept in touch with through the years. He also volunteered for the Friend for Life Cancer Support Network and gave support to others who were experiencing throat cancer.  

Along with his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a half-brother Charles E Krininger, Jr.  He is survived by his loving wife, Jannifer, a son Jason Gresham (Annarita) Lexington, Kentucky, a daughter Kathryn Carter (Ben) Louisville, Kentucky, four grandchildren, Gianluca Gresham, Arianna Gresham, Stefano Gresham and Caroline Carter, his sister Bonnie Crick, Jeffersonville, Indiana, sister-in-law Velma Krininger, Melbourne, Florida, and several nieces and nephews.  

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Monday, June 13, 2022 at Scott Funeral Home, 2515 Veterans Parkway in Jeffersonville, Indiana, with burial to follow in Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, Kentucky.  Visitation will be prior to the service on Monday from 9:00-11:00 am.  

Pallbearers will be Dave Caple, Bob Caple, Jim Crick, Cary Brown, Ben Carter and Neal Edwards.  Honorary pallbearers will be Elmer Murray and Wesley Nails.  

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the WHAS Crusade for Children, Friend for Life Cancer Support Network or your favorite charity. 

To leave a special message for the family, please visit:  www.scottfuneralhome.com 

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