James "Jim" Dean Ponsler

James “Jim” Dean Ponsler, 84, of North Vernon, passed away at 2:55 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at his residence.

He was born October 12th, 1941, in Jennings County; the son of the late Curtis Ponsler and Helen Ida (Burgess) Ponsler. He married Sherry Jones on May 2nd, 1980, in North Vernon; she survives.

Jim graduated from North Vernon High School in 1959. He was in the Army from 1966-1972 where he was awarded the Purple Heart. He worked at Cummins in Columbus, where he retired in 1997. After retirement he worked at Ceraland from 1998-2009. He was a member of the Vernon Baptist Church, VFW, Six Mile Masonic Lodge #412, and the DAV. He received his 50-year pin from the Masonic Lodge, and he also enjoyed driving for the disabled veterans. Jim enjoyed riding motorcycles, watching Nascar, and mowing his lawn. He would make sure the lines in his yard were perfect.

Surviving with his wife Sherry, is one son, Michael “Mickey” Ponsler; two stepsons, Timothy Kasper and Terry Scott Kasper; grandchildren, Wyatt Ponsler, Valerie Zebel, Joshua Kasper, Randy Kasper, and Brad Wilkerson; great grandchildren, Olivia, Riley, Jackson, Christopher, and a little girl due in January; brother-in-law John Moore; niece Lisa Moore; and nephew Wayne Moore.

He was preceded in death by parents; sister Patty Moore; and stepson Charles Kasper.

The funeral for Jim will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the Vernon Baptist Church in Vernon. The visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday October 7, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home and Cremation Service and 1 hour prior to service on Thursday. Masonic memorial service for Jim will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday by members of Six Mile Masonic Lodge #412. The burial will follow in the Vernon Cemetery in Vernon with military graveside rites by members of Matt Hester Post #2021 V.F.W.

Memorials may be made in honor of Jim through the funeral home to Interim Hospice or Vernon Baptist Church.

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