The Scott County Community Foundation is honored to announce the creation of the Judge James Kleopfer Memorial Scholarship Fund. The new fund honors the life, legacy, and service of longtime Scott County judge and community leader James Dale “Jim” Kleopfer Jr. The scholarship will provide future educational support to graduating seniors from Austin High School, Scottsburg High School, and Henryville High School.
Judge Kleopfer passed away on Nov. 30, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of public service, integrity, and dedication to his hometown and community. He served as Judge of the Scott County Circuit Court for 24 years, from 1981 to 2004, after being elected in 1980. Known as a “no-nonsense” but fair judge, Jim earned the respect of countless residents throughout his decades of service.
Family friend Jeannie Noe Carlisle shared, “He was a friend of the Noe family all of his adult years and always ready to help. Even after Jimmy became a judge, everyone around Lexington called him Jimmy which was shocking to those working with him as a judge of Scott County. I asked him one time at Lexington Historical Society meeting if I should call him Judge and he told me, ‘only in the courtroom.’”
One story shared by his family captures both his wit and his unwavering sense of accountability. During a child support hearing, a defendant offered many reasons why he had failed to meet his obligations, finally telling Judge Kleopfer, “Judge, you can’t get blood out of a turnip.” Judge Kleopfer replied, “Well, that may be, but this court can certainly put that turnip in jail for contempt.”
Born on October 16, 1942, at the McClain Clinic in Scottsburg, Jim was the son of James Dale Kleopfer Sr. and Earlene Milles Kleopfer. He was raised on the family farm south of Lexington as the oldest of three brothers – Jim, Robert, and Gary – during the World War II era, while his father served in the Army Air Force. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work, helping raise turkeys on the family farm and setting an example for his younger brothers.
His brother Robert shared that rounding up turkeys was no small feat. It required getting up very early in the morning, grabbing the large birds by their feet to haul them to a coop for transportation to the processing plant. “This was quite the struggle for little boys against a 20-to-25-pound tom turkey. He set an example for us and did not complain about scratched arms and legs,” said Robert.
Gary, Robert, and Jim Kleopfer
His grandparents also played an important role in shaping the man he would become. His paternal grandparents, Elmer and Ethel Craigmyle Kleopfer, farmed near Lexington, where long summer days of putting up hay taught the boys endurance and discipline. His maternal grandparents, Earl and Muriel Hall Milles, also left a lasting influence—particularly his grandfather Earl, a barber who also served as Trustee of Lexington Township and helped spark Jim’s lifelong interest in public service and local government. His grandmothers helped nurture another lifelong passion: gardening, which remained one of Jim’s greatest joys throughout his life.
4 Kleopfer generations: Jim, Dale, Elmer, Louis
After graduating from Lexington High School in 1960, Jim pursued higher education at Indiana University and the University of Louisville, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1968. He later taught at Henryville Junior High in the mid-1970’s and practiced law in Henryville before beginning his distinguished judicial career.
Outside the courtroom, Jim was known for his love of gardening and his commitment to preserving the beauty and history of Lexington. He planted many trees and the Zoysia grass in Lexington Cemetery, carrying water to the cemetery until all the plants were sturdy enough to live. He beautified his house the same way. “You can drive by his home and the cemetery and still see all the work he did to make the two areas pretty,” shared Carlisle.
Carlisle shared that he was one of three people who tried to save the Englishton Mansion in Lexington, the William Hayden English summer home which was unfortunately demolished in 1969. He was instrumental in caring for Lexington Cemetery, where he is laid to rest. He was a longtime member of Lexington Presbyterian Church, a charter member of the Lexington Historical Society, and a member of the Scott County Heritage Center and Museum.
His connection to the Scott County Community Foundation was also personal. In SCCF’s earliest years, he served briefly as a member of the Board of Directors, helping support the Foundation’s mission during its formative stages.
To honor his legacy, his family created the Judge James Kleopfer Memorial Scholarship Fund. Scholarships will be awarded to students who plan to attend any type of post-secondary education, from technical certifications and skilled trades training to associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. Applicants must also demonstrate a strong work ethic through work experience or community volunteerism.
“We’re thankful to Judge Kleopfer’s family for honoring his legacy through this permanent fund,” shared Community Foundation Executive Director Jaime Toppe. “This is a meaningful way to honor his life while investing in the next generation of students from the communities he served so faithfully.”
Those wishing to support the fund may make contributions to the Scott County Community Foundation at www.scottcountyfoundation.org, by mailing a gift to PO Box 25; Scottsburg, IN 47170, or by visiting the Foundation office at 60 N. Main St., Scottsburg. For questions, please call 812-752-2057.
