James R. Rosenberger

James R. Rosenberger, age 66, of Richmond, passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2013, at Reid Hospital.

Born Oct. 25, 1946, in Lockport, N.Y., to Harleigh and Dorothy Swartley Rosenberger, he had lived in Richmond since 2002.

James graduated from Grosse Point High School in suburban Detroit in 1964. He then attended Bluffton University in Bluffton, Ohio, earning a bachelor of science degree in education. He obtained his master's degree from The Ohio State University in guidance and counseling, was awarded a doctorate in secondary education and administration from Ball State University, and post doctorate degree in gifted education at Indiana University.

His early years as an educator took him to the Ohio cities of Columbus and Cleveland. He and Karen served with the Mennonite Central Committee as teachers in the Canadian province of Newfoundland for two years.

Upon returning to the states in 1973, Jim accepted a position with Richmond Community Schools as a guidance director at Dennis Jr. High School. Other opportunities lured him to other locales, such as Cisne, Illinois, Jeromesville, Ohio, as well as Mishawaka, Greencastle and Liberty in Indiana.

He was a member of Mensa International and several professional associations, such as the Indiana Association of College Admissions Counselors, The College Board, Indiana Association of Gifted/Talented Educators, Phi Delta Kappa, and the Association of Counselor Education and Supervision.

James was also an active member of Gobin United Methodist Church in Greencastle, Greencastle Kiwanis Club, Greencastle Elks Lodge, and most recently, St. John Lutheran Church in Richmond.

He was the recipient of several professional awards, such as the Olin Davis Award (Indiana Council of Economic Education), The Principal's Letter (Richmond Community Schools), as well as, Who's Who in Education.

Beginning in 1983 and up to the time of his death, Jim served as an adjunct professor at several institutions, such as Eastern Illinois Community College, Indiana University (South Bend) Southwest Michigan College, Ivy Tech State College, University of Indianapolis, and Indiana Wesleyan University.

He often spoke at educational conferences on various topics such as Critical Thinking and Differentiated Instruction. His most recent project was The College List, www.the-college-list.com, an on-line site providing high school students and parents research about various affordable colleges.

James was a baseball player and football player at Bluffton College. He also played hockey since his years in Detroit. James enjoyed skiing, bicycling and writing. He also enjoyed traveling, including chaperoning high school trips abroad. He was a loving husband, father, friend and mentor to many of his students.

Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Karen Brandes Rosenberger of Richmond; daughters, Catherine Nicole (Hamzeh) Pashazadeh of Chicago, and Kristen Amanda Rosenberger of Indianapolis; grandson Azari James Pashazadeh; brother Leigh (Bonnie) Swartley of St. Petersburg, Fla.; sister, Marcia (Robert) Sheremeta of Rochester, N.Y.; nieces; nephews; cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation for James R. Rosenberger will be 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 24 at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond, Ind. Visitation will be one hour prior to the memorial service at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 25 at St. John Lutheran Church, 501 S. 7th St., Richmond, with Rev. James Culver officiating. Private burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Indiana Wesleyan University, Rosenberger Family Scholarship Fund, 4201 S. Washington St., Marion, IN 46953, Attn: University Relations, St. John Lutheran Church, 501 S. 7th St., Richmond, IN 47374, or Help The Animals Inc. P.O. Box 117, Richmond, IN 47375.

Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.