James J. “Jim” Nagy of Dyer, Indiana, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2025.  He was 85 years old, just six days away from his birthday.  He was born on February 16, 1939, to John and Mildred Nagy and spent his childhood and teenage years living in Whiting, Indiana.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Carole, with whom he had been married to for over 63 years; and two children, David Nagy, M.D., and Susan (Mike) Reagin. Grandchildren are Jennifer (Jordan) Leising, Christopher (Cody) Reagin, and Kelly Reagin.  Jim was Great Grandfather to Louis James Leising and Charles John Leising.  Surviving siblings are brother John (Marie) Nagy and their children Christopher and Kelly; sisters Evelyn Nagy and Linda (John) Hornby.  His mother-in-law, Jennie Wojtena, survived him for twelve hours before her passing away on the same day.  He is also survived by several cousins, including Gerry, Sharon, Diane, Douge, Judy and Joe.

Jim is predeceased by his parents, John and Mildred; his sister, Arlene (late Dick) Daly, who passed away two weeks prior to his passing, his sister-in-law, Judy (late Dale) Smeltzer; his niece, Christine Anderson.

Jim graduated from George Rogers Clark High School in Hammond Indiana, Class of 1957; Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, B.S., 1961; Indiana University School of Law, J.D., 1964; and John Marshall Law School in Chicago, LL.M., 1979 in Taxation.  He was admitted to the practice of law in  the State of Indiana Supreme Court and all courts in Indiana; the United States District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana; the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, United States Tax Court; and the United States Supreme Court.  He practiced law for over 50 years primarily in Lake County, Indiana, out of his office in Munster, Indiana.

Among the organizations of which Jim was a member is the Hammond YMCA where he was on the Board of Directors; a life member of the Munster Lions Club where he served as a past president;  and Humane Indiana, formerly Humane Society Calumet Area, where he served on the Board of Directors.

After a day in the office or in court, Jim relaxed by taking long walks with his German Shepherds, Elliot, Clair and Duke.  He was a responsible pet owner and always carried a “doggie bag” to clean up after his furry friends.  A neighbor noticed the excellent care that he and Carole gave to their dogs, and jokingly hoped that if there is reincarnation, she would like to come back to earth as one of their dogs.

Jim enjoyed boating with his son, David, especially on the Intracoastal on the East Coast.  Together, they took their cabin cruiser down the waterway from the State of Maryland to Florida.  They also enjoyed spending time together in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, where he lost his original wedding ring in the Caribbean Sea.   The highlight of Jim’s life was spending time with his and Carole’s children and grandchildren, taking trips all over the country and abroad. He and Carole loved taking their children and then their grandchildren to Disney World every year for over the past 50 years.  In the summer he liked hiking in the dunes.  In the fall of the year, Jim loved seeing the leaves change colors, especially on the IU campus in Bloomington and Brown County.

Jim had a wonderful memory for song lyrics, especially those which were popular in the 1950s.  He had a good singing voice. His favorite song was “American Pie.”

Thank you, PopPop, for all the wonderful memories you have left with us. You will be remembered for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Humane Indiana would be greatly appreciated. https://www.humaneindiana.org/donate

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