In Memory Of
James William Wurz
1940
2019
James William Wurz
July 28, 1940 — March 15, 2019
Indianapolis - James William Wurz, 78, died on Friday, March 15, 2019.
A lifelong Indiana resident, he was born July 28, 1940 to the late Clarence and Myrtle Wurz. He attended Manuel High School. He was an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Navy where he served for 4 years.
On December 20, 1964, he married Coleene "Kay" Nipple. He then followed in the footsteps of his father and became a police officer with Indianapolis Police Department where he served for 37 years. He was the first recipient of the Indianapolis Police Department Award for Valor in 1969 for capturing an armed robbery suspect after being wounded. During his tenure with the department, he worked as an undercover narcotics officer for several years. Additionally, he worked in the cold case unit and as a homicide detective. After retiring in 2005, he loved spending time with his grandchildren and loved playing golf. He also worked security for Indianapolis Power and Light and at two different auto dealerships.
He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Retired Police Officers Association. He was also a member of Englewood Masonic Lodge 715 F & A.M. as well as the Scottish Rite and the Murat Temple. He was also a member and past president of the Murat Police Club.
James was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Coleene "Kay" Wurz; brother, C. Richard Wurz; and sister, Janet Goudy. He is survived by his children, James Brian Wurz (Kelly), Mark Andrew Wurz (Tanya) and Katherine Marie Smoot (Jody); grandchildren, Lauren Danielle Wurz, Brynden Drew Wurz, Dyson Alexabder Wurz, Thane Cole, Weston Cole, Ashley Nichole House and Alaina Coleene House; sisters, Roberta Perkins, Judy Wurz and Sandra Compton (Gene); brothers, Donald Wurz (Judy) and David Wurz (Rita) ; sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Wurz; and many other family members and friends.
James' family will receive friends Tuesday, March 19, 2019, from 4 – 8 pm, at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 925 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227. A graveside service will be conducted Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at 10 am at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, 1977 South State Road 135, Greenwood, IN 46143.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
If you would like to share a memory of James, or a special message with his family, please click the "Share Memories" icon above.
A lifelong Indiana resident, he was born July 28, 1940 to the late Clarence and Myrtle Wurz. He attended Manuel High School. He was an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Navy where he served for 4 years.
On December 20, 1964, he married Coleene "Kay" Nipple. He then followed in the footsteps of his father and became a police officer with Indianapolis Police Department where he served for 37 years. He was the first recipient of the Indianapolis Police Department Award for Valor in 1969 for capturing an armed robbery suspect after being wounded. During his tenure with the department, he worked as an undercover narcotics officer for several years. Additionally, he worked in the cold case unit and as a homicide detective. After retiring in 2005, he loved spending time with his grandchildren and loved playing golf. He also worked security for Indianapolis Power and Light and at two different auto dealerships.
He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Retired Police Officers Association. He was also a member of Englewood Masonic Lodge 715 F & A.M. as well as the Scottish Rite and the Murat Temple. He was also a member and past president of the Murat Police Club.
James was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Coleene "Kay" Wurz; brother, C. Richard Wurz; and sister, Janet Goudy. He is survived by his children, James Brian Wurz (Kelly), Mark Andrew Wurz (Tanya) and Katherine Marie Smoot (Jody); grandchildren, Lauren Danielle Wurz, Brynden Drew Wurz, Dyson Alexabder Wurz, Thane Cole, Weston Cole, Ashley Nichole House and Alaina Coleene House; sisters, Roberta Perkins, Judy Wurz and Sandra Compton (Gene); brothers, Donald Wurz (Judy) and David Wurz (Rita) ; sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Wurz; and many other family members and friends.
James' family will receive friends Tuesday, March 19, 2019, from 4 – 8 pm, at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 925 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227. A graveside service will be conducted Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at 10 am at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, 1977 South State Road 135, Greenwood, IN 46143.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
If you would like to share a memory of James, or a special message with his family, please click the "Share Memories" icon above.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James William Wurz, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
4:00 - 8:00 pm (Eastern time)
Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions
Guestbook
Visits: 12
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