Jim Lopossa

James R. Lopossa, 79, of Mooresville, passed away in his sleep, while at his home, on September 1, 2026. Jim was born in Beech Grove on April 5, 1947, to Loice Nydia (Deck) Lopossa and Robert Enos Lopossa, both of Eminence. He grew up on the west side of Indianapolis and attended Ben Davis High School, graduating in 1965, while developing his closest, lifelong friendships in nearby Speedway. Drafted into the U.S. Army, Jim served 15 months in Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division as a helicopter door gunner, mechanic, and crew chief on the iconic Bell UH-1 "Huey” gunship. He arrived in-country on the day of the Tet Offensive, at once thrust into the counter-offensive operations. His service in Vietnam was an important and defining chapter of his life. In the years following his deployment to Vietnam, he continued his commitment to public service and protection, proudly joining the Indianapolis Police Department in 1974. For the next 33 years, he faithfully served the citizens of Indianapolis, retiring in 2007. He excelled as a K-9 officer, dedicating himself to the care, training, and partnership of three K-9 ‘officers’ throughout his distinguished career. Jim was a lifelong enthusiast of auto racing, possessing an extraordinary depth of knowledge about its history, its legendary personalities, and the many stories that made the sport so compelling to him. His passion for automobiles extended to his own highly prized classic cars, which he enjoyed maintaining and working on as a skilled and capable mechanic. He was equally passionate about motorcycle riding, a love that was well known to family and friends. He toured extensively with friends throughout the United States, particularly enjoying the country’s scenic byways and the historic mountain roads of the American West. Among his many adventures, one of his greatest points of pride was his solo motorcycle journey from Monrovia, Indiana, to Anchorage, Alaska—and back. His enthusiasm for friendships, cars, motorcycle travel, and the many stories surrounding them was an important part of who he was and brought him lasting enjoyment throughout his life. He was warmly polite, saw the humor in human frailties, and laughed often. He was a talented recounter of humorous incidents from his life. He was not lonely because he depended on and received so much kind and reliable support of dear friends. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his niece, Alexis D’Luna. He is survived by his many friends and loving sister, Debra Lopossa (Lionel) D’Luna of Irvine, California; nieces, Simone D’Luna of San Francisco and Adrienne D’Luna (Alfonso) Directo; two great-nephews, Xavier and Damien of Burbank, California; step-daughter, Patty Matthews (Toby) Ledford; and step-grandson, Mack (Indiana). A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 11:00 a.m., with visitation held an hour prior, on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel, in Monrovia To share a favorite story, send an online condolence to the family, or light a candle in Jim’s memory visit www.lightmemorial.com

Jim Lopossa

April 5, 1947 - September 1, 2026