March 4, 1941 – November 2, 2025
James Wade Underwood, 84, of Orleans, passed away peacefully at his home on November 2, 2025, surrounded by his family.
He was born in Paoli, Indiana on March 4, 1941 to Rolla and Ellisteen (Parish) Underwood. He attended grade school in Northeast Township’s Leipsic Schoolhouse and later graduated from Orleans High School with the class of 1958, where he was a standout baseball player. He married Theresa “Jo” Burton on January 13, 1962. The same year, they welcomed their daughter Debi, followed by Patty, Teresa, and Jeffery “Tadpol”.
As a member and former President of the Orleans Jaycees, he helped coordinate and host many community events over the years. He was a proud 67-year member of The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local #16, carrying on the legacy of his father and grandfather before him, who was one of the earliest union electricians in the state of Indiana. He was employed by Triangle and Leahy in Bedford and later by McIntyre Bros., Inc., where he retired in 2003.
He coached Little League and enjoyed playing softball. A fixture on his front porch in the middle of town, if he wasn’t there, you could usually find him at Green Acres Country Club holding court. Tinkering, golf, and Jeep cruises eventually took the place of softball as his new favorite pastime.
Survivors include his wife, Jo; three daughters: Debi Underwood (Danny Busick) of Orleans, Patty Blanton of Paoli, and Teresa Wilson (Troy) of Campbellsburg; one son, Tadpol Underwood (Missy) of Orleans; two sisters, Leatha Gardner of Shepherdsville, Kentucky and Laura McNeely of Greenwood; one brother, Steve Underwood of Bedford; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and many friends who were like family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Rebecca Mae; one grandson, Logan Wayne Carver; and one great-grandson, Treven Joe Ball.
He was an amazing husband, father, papaw, co-worker, buddy, and teammate who will be
missed and remembered by many.
Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5th, at Ochs-Tetrick Funeral Home in Orleans. The funeral service will commence at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 6th, at Ochs-Tetrick, with burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made in James’ memory to “Together for Treven” c/o Springs Valley Bank & Trust, French Lick, IN 47432.
