James Richard Cress

Submitted. by Dawalt Funeral Home 

James Richard Cress, age 70 of Salem, Indiana passed away Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 3:10 pm, in Salem Crossing.

Born June 3, 1955, in Connersville, Indiana, he was the son of the late Lloyd B. Cress and Nayoma (Murrell) Cress.

He was a graduate of Connersville High School before moving to California to join the U.S. Marine Corps. After his military services he went to Indiana State University where he received his education degree. He then moved back Connersville where he retired after 22 years as a history teacher and tennis coach with Boone County Schools. Then he became a bus driver for the French Lick Resort.

On September 27, 2014, he married Barbara (Peterson) Cress.

Survivors include:

Wife: Barbara (Peterson) Cress

Brother: Jerry Cress of Connersville, Indiana.

Stepson: Matthew Rainey of French Lick, Indiana.

Best Friend: Vernon Owens of Salem, Indiana.

and good friends: Hayden Dinwiddie and James Owens of Salem.

A Celebration of his Life will be held at a later date.

Dawalt Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.