James Michael Nettles Sr.

James Michael Nettles, Sr, age 67, of Crown Point, IN, received his heavenly reward on July 13, 2025. Born in Gary, IN, he lived in Gary and Merrillville, IN, for most of his youth. Jim graduated from Andrean High School, Merrillville, IN in 1976. He was a paperboy for The Gary Post Tribune before becoming the first lab transport driver for St. Mary Medical Center, now a part of Powers Healthcare, and then transferred to the lab records department for several years. His dream was to become a radio announcer, and he completed his training in Chicago, IL. Jim went on to complete 2 associate degrees and eventually a bachelor's degree at Purdue University, Calumet Campus, in Hammond, IN, in 1996. In Jim’s later years he was a substitute teacher in several local school systems. He was a member of Faith Church in Dyer, IN, but had attended several area churches. Jim (Jimbo) was a frequent blood donor, often doing a "double red" (2 units of blood at the same time) most often through Versiti Blood Center, the primary provider for Lake County, IN, hospitals. As a final gift to the world, he became an eye and tissue donor, with the possibility of helping up to 75 people. Jim was preceded in death by his grandparents, Rose and Elwood Robinson; great aunt and uncle, Mary Ann and Charles Robinson; mother, Paula Robinson; birth father, Russell Kern; adoptive father, Roger B. Nettles; brother, Daniel Nettles; aunt, Constance Barnes; and cousin, Kristopher Komenich. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Alberta (Alexander) Nettles; son, James Michael Nettles Jr., two granddaughters, Adrianna and Aleeah Nettles; sisters, Amelia Kern of Indiana, Marcia (Dino) Travlino of Florida; brothers, Elwood (Michelle) Nettles of Indiana; Greg (Hillary) Nettles of Tennessee; stepmother, Lory Nettles of Indiana; sisters-in-law, Ruth Alexander of Texas, Frances Atwood of Indiana and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Moody Bible Institute broadcasting department, Chicago, Illinois. Please continue to support your local blood donation centers (for Lake County IN, Versiti Blood Center of Aurora, Illinois, with a local donor center located at 2126 445th St. Highland, IN) and consider a final gift to someone as an organ donor. A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Hillside Church, 5201 W. 109th Ave, Crown Point, IN. A brief visitation at the church will take place on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 9 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 10 a.m. Rev. Joshua Landers officiating. Burns Funeral Home, Hobart entrusted with arrangements. www.burnsfuneral.com

James Michael Nettles Sr.

November 10, 1957 - July 13, 2025