James "Jim" A. Ennis

James "Jim" A. Ennis, 74, of Charlestown, Indiana, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025, after a long battle with congestive heart failure. Born on April 27, 1951, in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Jim was the beloved son of Warren J. Ennis and Nancy Pierce Ennis. His family relocated to Charlestown during his childhood, drawn by opportunities at the bustling Powder Plant.

At the age of 17, Jim answered the call of duty, enlisting in the United States Marine Corps with the consent of his parents. After completing boot camp in San Diego, California, he was deployed to Vietnam, where he served with distinction, running patrols in the perilous terrain of the Arizona Territory in the An Hoa basin of Quang Nam Province.

On the morning of February 20, 1970, Jim volunteered to accompany a fellow Marine on a patrol, serving as his A-gunner. During the mission, a ground ordinance mortally wounded his friend and critically injured Jim. For his bravery and sacrifice, he was awarded the Purple Heart, a reflection of his valor and resilience.

Following a lengthy recovery at the VA Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, Jim returned home as a disabled veteran. Refusing to let his injuries define him, he pursued his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer.

Jim proudly served the City of Charlestown as a law enforcement officer for 27 years and also dedicated his time as a volunteer firefighter with the Charlestown Township Fire Protection District for 56 years. He was very proud to serve the community he so deeply loved. Jim was a mentor, protector, and friend who left a lasting impact on countless lives.

During retirement, Jim found joy and fulfillment working at Kopp's Lakes, the family business, where he performed groundskeeping and maintenance activities. Whether tending to the lakes, maintaining the property, or simply sharing a story with visitors, he loved being at the lakes.

Jim’s life was marked by resilience, duty, and compassion. Whether defending his country or serving his community, he exemplified honor. He will be fondly remembered for his quick wit, steadfast loyalty to family and friends, and his love of fishing, hunting, and the outdoors.

He was a proud member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1427, American Legion Post 335, and Blazing Star Masonic Lodge No. 226.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Donna Kopp; his children, April Haymaker (Junior), Amy Carver (Rusty), and Jacob Ennis; his grandchildren, Tyler Cranmer (Jason), Trace Haymaker, Blake Stewart (Brittany), Zack Haycraft, and Cooper Haycraft; four great-grandchildren, one of whom he never had the pleasure to meet; his mother, Nancy Ennis; and his brother Donald (Tracy); his many fishing buddies and friends; and his beloved German Short Haired Pointer, Tibby. He was preceded in death by his father, Warren Ennis, and his fellow Marine and friend, whose sacrifice he honored every day of his life.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, June 14th at 11 a.m. at Grayson Funeral Home in Charlestown. Visitation will take place on Friday, June 13th from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a Masonic service at 7 p.m. Additional visitation will be on Saturday from 9 a.m. until service time. He will be laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Jim's memory to Charlestown Police Department’s Shop with a Cop program or the Charlestown Fire Department’s Crusade for Children collection.

Semper Fi, Marine. Your mission is complete, and now you rest in peace.