James Apple, born on September 10, 1942, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2024, at the age of 81. He was born in Paoli, Indiana, to Max Boyd
and Zoe Anna Apple.
At the age of nine, James and his family moved to Salem, where his father opened the Apple Drug Store.
It was in this store that James’s lifelong career as a pharmacist began. As a young boy, he would sweep the sidewalk in front of the store before heading
off to school.
James graduated from Salem High School and went on to attend Purdue University. After completing his education, he served in the army during
the Vietnam War, where he worked in the pharmacy at Fort Knox.
During this time, he married and had two children, Jimmy and Danny. After his service, James returned to Salem to serve the community he loved.
In 1982, James met the love of his life, Diana. They dated for six years before blending their families and getting married.
James had his two sons, Jimmy and Danny, while Diana brought Scott, Todd, and Amy into
their new family. With five children all within five years of age, their home was often lively and fun, especially with the kids attending rival schools, West Washington and Salem, and later IU and Purdue.
A memorable highlight of their early years together was when Danny and Todd insisted on joining James and Diana on their honeymoon.
James and Diana built a beautiful home in Salem, which became the hub for family gatherings, holidays, and many cherished sleepovers with their
grandchildren.
Throughout their life together, James and Diana had the opportunity to travel, visiting places like Hawaii, Germany, France, and Austria. James
often joked that before marrying Diana, he had never ventured west of Campbellsburg. They loved their trips together.
After selling Apple Drug Store, James continued his successful career by working at various drug stores making many friends in the community.
He found great joy in his 12 grandchildren, watching them grow and succeed- even though he often commented on the chaos they brought! He was immensely proud of his family. There’s no doubt James lived a full and rich life.
His family takes comfort in knowing that he entered the gates of Heaven peacefully, with his mind and body fully restored. James Apple was a
beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, and will be dearly missed by all who shared life with him.
Donations may be made to the James and Diana Touch Tomorrow fund at the Washington County Community Foundation.
Visitation: 4 to 8 pm Thursday July 25th and after 9 am Friday at Dawalt Funeral Home.
Funeral Service: 11:00 am Friday at Dawalt Funeral Home with Interment following at Crown Hill Cemetery in Salem.
