James A. Staples 80, of Greenwood, IN passed away April 4, 2019.  He was born in Lafayette, IN to the late Bill and Vera Staples.

James graduated from Emmerich Training High School in Indianapolis in 1956, and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Franklin College in 1963.  He was a teacher at Indiana University/Purdue University-Indianapolis from 1966-1979, where he taught writing and literature courses.  He was Program Director for the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and received the "Above and Beyond Award" from the Commissioner of the Bureau Motor Vehicles in 1998.  He was very active in Johnson County Democratic Politics, serving as Democratic Chairman from 1977-1981, and was a Delegate to the Democratic Convention in 1976, 1980, and 1984.  He also served as a member of the National Democratic Platform Committees in 1980 and 1984. James was a Member of the Greenwood (IN) Public Library Board of Directors, 1984-1997, and was a Member of Greenwood City Council in 1987.

He is survived by his brother Donald D. (Meltina) Staples and Stephen G. Staples;  sister Carole  (John) Hill; sister-in-laws Norma and Ruth Staples and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his brothers Bob Staples, Tom Staples, and Jerry Staples.

Visitation will be held Friday April 12, 2019 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM  a t Forest Lawn Funeral Home 1977 S. State Rd. 135, Greenwood, Indiana

Followed by a Funeral Service at Noon in the Funeral Home.  Burial to follow a t Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Johnson County.

Condolences may be left at www.forestlawncemetery-fh.com