James “Jim” Ezell

Jim Ezell ,97, born in Indianapolis in 1927 —passed away on March 16, 2025. He graduated from Tech H.S. and attended Purdue University for one year before serving in the U.S. Navy. After service in WW II, he attended and graduated from Butler University. He then taught and coached Jr. High Athletics at IPS #77 and #4. He received the first of 3 master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin and a second M.S. degree from Butler. He also received both a Lily scholarship and a Gregg scholarship allowing him to do graduate work at the University of Colorado and the University of Oslo, Norway. It was in Norway where he met his wife, Sandy Hetland. In 1967, he was selected as one of five recipients for a NDEA teaching fellowship at the University of Hawaii, where he received his MED degree, making this his third master’s degree.

After seventeen years as a teacher and coach, Jim served IPS as a principal and central office administrator. He was principal at Kennedy Experimental Middle School, Forest Manor School, Schools #92 and #94 and Sidner Jr. High School. He also served as Director of Staff Development, Director of the Office of Professional Development and Director of Elementary/ Education for the Indianapolis Public Schools. His best-known achievements were in designing the innovative programs and curriculum at both Kennedy and Forest Manor School. These programs later became the model for many Indiana Middle Schools. In recognition of these achievements, He was named the outstanding Middle School Principal in 1974 during “James Ezell Day” in Indianapolis and awarded him the “The Key to the City”. He retired in 1989 but continued to serve the profession he loved. He was “interim principal” of Shortridge Middle School, and served as Mentor and Supervisor/Evaluator for IPS in the early 90’s.

He was past president of Tau Kappa Epsilon (Butler University), Phi Delta Kappa (Hawaii) and Phi Epsilon Kappa (Indianapolis) fraternities. He also served as President of Indiana Gymnastics Association, an organization which was instrumental in bringing gymnastics to the level of a recognized competitive sport in Indiana high schools. Jim was a deacon and an Elder in the Presbyterian church and served in this capacity at both Gethsemane and Eastminster Presbyterian churches.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sandy, and his two daughters (Kristin Compton and Kari Kostecka), grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In his words, he lived many lives and lived them to the fullest.

Arrangements have been entrusted to The Cremation Society of Indiana, 4115 Shelby Street. Leave A Message or  Share A Memory.

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