James Allen Cramer

james cramer

June 11, 1962 ~ May 6, 2021

James Allen “Jim” Cramer passed away Thursday May 6th, 2021. He was a loving son and brother, devoted husband and uncle, and dedicated mentor. To his extensive work family, he was affectionately known as “Doctor Cramer”. He was born in Batesville, Indiana June 11, 1962 to Allen and Karen Cramer of Greensburg, Indiana. They survive. He graduated Valedictorian of his North Decatur High School Class of 1980. He graduated Cum Laude with a Mechanical Engineering degree in 1984 from Rose-Hulman. He married his college sweetheart and love of his life, Cindy in 1984 shortly after starting his career at Cummins Engine Company. She survives. Over his 36 years with Cummins, he worked many varied roles and was proud of the friendships he made along the way. He enjoyed mentoring numerous engineers. He was an Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Reds fan. He enjoyed astronomy and taking flying lessons to fly with his dad. He also enjoyed playing softball and volleyball, landscaping with his wife, spoiling his nieces and nephew, and relaxing on his property with his wife and animals. He is survived by a brother Larry (Lisa) Cramer of Greensburg; a sister Terri (Russell) Snow and nieces Leah and Lily Snow of Franklin; in-laws Tom (Sue) Anderson of Paris, Illinois; a brother-in-law Mark (Amy) Anderson of Paris, Illinois; nieces Bailey (Daryn) Harvey and Jace Harvey of Terre Haute, Indiana; and a nephew Cameron Anderson of Paris, Illinois and his significant other, Ashtyn. He is also survived by aunts Ella Mae Holtkamp of Greensburg, Lynda Greene of Fresno, California, and an uncle Tom (Pam) Orloff, as well as numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by cousins Chad Holtkamp and Adam Holtkamp; grandparents Noel H. and Verdo (Dobie) Cramer, Greensburg, Indiana and Amy and Edwin Orloff, Pleasanton, California. Anyone touched by Jim is asked to go forward living as Jim would, treat everyone with a kind word, fairness, decency and respect, tackle any project head on with a “can do” attitude, regardless of the magnitude, be brave till the end and leave your corner of the world a better place - in honor of Jim. His coworkers and friends are invited to write down their fond memories of Jim and bring to the visitation in a sealed envelope for his wife to read at a later date. Donations may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, the American Cancer Society, or the veterinary clinic on State Road 9. Public visitation will be Wednesday, May 12, 2021 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Jewell - Rittman Family Funeral Home in Columbus. Masks are required. www.jewellrittman.com

 

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  1. Jim and Cindy are two of the kindest people I’ve ever known. I’m so sorry that the world has lost Jim so early. My deepest condolences to Cindy and his whole family.

  2. I have known Jim my whole life….going all the way back to Sunday school and elementary school. This saddens me to my core. Blessings of peace to his wife, his parents, and his siblings.

  3. I worked with Jim at Cummins, and he and Cindy are the nicest, kindness couple I have had the privilege of knowing. Prayers for Cindy and the family. He will truly be missed.

  4. Sympathy to the Cramer family. Jim was a very nice person and exceptional engineer. Was my pleasure to know him.

    Jack and Kate Freese

  5. I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to Jim Cramer’s family. As a program manager at Cummins I had the pleasure of working with Jim Cramer on many projects, and was always impressed about his expert knowledge of engines and electronic engine controls.
    Above all, Jim was very kind, a helpful colleague and a real gentleman. All of us you knew him and worked with him will keep him in our memories.

  6. I am so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing! Prayers for all of you at this difficult time. Carol Gasser Linsenbigler 1980 NDHS grad

  7. My sympathies go out to the Cramer family. Jim was a tremendous colleague; he was always encouraging and had a warm greeting when you met with him. I valued his thoughts and insights. He will be genuinely missed by all that have had the pleasure to know him. –Matt Anderson (aka Dr. Anderson)

  8. I worked with Jim at Cummins for the past few years and I could tell very quickly he was a special person. He was very thoughtful and engaging with everyone while being full of wisdom that he humbly shared. The first time I talked at length with Jim was before a trip to China, he offered to meet up over lunch and the conversation was easy and warm. His attitude and warm personality is something I will continue in striving to emulate.

  9. I got to know Jim from working with him in Cummins. He is very knowledgeable and intelligent, and I will always remember that he called us Drs. In fact, he should be a true Dr.. He is a great engineer, a mentor for many young engineers. He traveled to China many times for helping China team solving many product issues. People love to talk to him and be his friend. We all miss him. Jim, please rest in peace!

  10. My sympathy to the Cramer family. I worked with Jim off-and-on over the years, and he was always very knowledgeable and thoughtful, and he made others comfortable with his friendly, optimistic, engaging manner. Everyone seemed to know and appreciate Jim. He will be missed.

    Dave Ruch

  11. To the Family and Friends of James Cramer….

    My heartfelt condolences to you on the passing of Jim. He was a special individual who enriched the lives of all who knew him and worked with him… He has left us much too soon.

    I am sure that many have been positively affected by knowing and by working with Jim…He was an excellent mentor for me. I will miss my friend. Rest in Peace, James.

    Jeff O’Neill

  12. One of the smartest and nicest guys I ever had the privilege to work with. He will be missed. RIP


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