Derek “DJ” Ryan Jones passed away on Feb. 8, 2025. He was 45 years old. Jones worked in banking for 18 years, and financial services overall for more than 20. Most recently, he served as vice president, senior commercial banker at STAR Bank, Fort Wayne. Outside the bank, he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity of Hamilton County and Parker’s Place Foundation, serving on the boards of both. Jones earned a bachelor’s degree from Wabash College, an MBA from Anderson University and a credit risk certification from the Risk Management Association. Jones is survived by his parents, wife, three children, brother, nephew and two nieces. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a GoFundMe for his children’s college funds.
James “Jim” R. Kocher passed away on March 20, 2025. He was 91 years old. After serving in the U.S. Army, Kocher spent his career with Railroad Men’s Federal Savings, which later became part of Huntington National Bank. He served as chair of the Indiana League of Savings Institutions from 1992-93 before retiring in 1996. Mere days before his passing, it was announced Kocher had established the James R. and Evelyn J. Kocher Fund at the Johnson County Community Foundation with a $1 million gift to support seniors, addressing food insecurity and assisting veterans’ organizations. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Johnson County Senior Services in Whiteland.
James D. Strietelmeier passed away on Feb. 3, 2025. He was 87 years old. Strietelmeier was a banker for 38 years, starting in 1959 at Irwin Union Bank in Columbus, Indiana, which went on to become part of First Financial Bank, Cincinnati. He also spent 10 years at First Bank and Trust in Speedway before moving back to Columbus in 1974, where he became the first employee at Columbus Bank and was named president in 1976. He remained with the bank until 1987 when he purchased L&N Surgical. Strietelmeier returned to banking the following year as president and CEO of Citizens Banking Company. The bank was acquired by KeyBank, NA, Cleveland, where he retired in August 1997. In retirement, he served on the board of STAR Bank, Fort Wayne. In the community, Strietelmeier created Popfest in 1980, served as chair of the board for Anderson Community Hospital, was on the board of Works in Columbus, actively helped small business owners as a volunteer for SCORE, and served as chair of the board for Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance Group. He also served as treasurer of the local Kiwanis Club, United Way and Lake Country Club, and was a founding board member of the Lutheran Child & Family Services Foundation. Strietelmeier earned a bachelor’s degree from Franklin College and later completed the Graduate School of Banking program at the University of Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Columbus.
