James Robert Rosenbarger

James (Jim) Robert Rosenbarger, 73, passed away peacefully late afternoon on Thursday, August 21st, 2025, surrounded by family in the Bloomington house he designed and built. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Mara- Lea Wheeler Rosenbarger; his two sons from his first marriage, Zachary and Jake (Kim) Rosenbarger; his brother, John (Susan), and sister, Sarah Cutlip (Allan); his sister-in-law Connie Hopkins; his grandchildren, Clara, Estelle, and August Rosenbarger; nieces, nephews, and his beloved and devoted cats, Pepper and Sox. Jim was born April 16th, 1952, in New Albany, Indiana, to George and Virginia Rosenbarger. He became an Eagle Scout and graduated from New Albany High School before attending the University of Cincinnati, where he earned a degree in architecture. While in college, he spent time in New Mexico building Earthships. Jim practiced architecture in New Albany for over a decade before relocating to Bloomington, Indiana, in 1989, where his focus on green, energy-efficient residential design became his life’s work. Over the years, he designed dozens of homes, additions, and buildings in and around Bloomington. He loved the creative, collaborative process of working with clients, local builders, craftspeople, and community members. Christopher Alexander’s A Pattern Language was his “bible,” and he recommended it to clients for its guidance on fostering site-relevant building with patterns that support healthy family and community life. While energy-efficient and thoughtful design was his love, Jim was equally passionate about urban design—particularly bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure that fostered safer, more accessible communities. He served on the Bloomington Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission for more than twenty years, playing an important role in early traffic calming projects, including the West Sixth traffic circles, the 7th Street underpass, and the South Walnut Street pedestrian refuge. He was also an early member of the New Urbanist Movement, which advocated for human-scaled development and vibrant town centers with mixed uses. Jim was also an avid cyclist. He loved riding throughout southern Indiana, touring small towns, and was an active member of the Bloomington Bicycle Club and The Old Farts biking and hiking group. Jim was a cheerful, can-do kind of guy who wanted to do his part in this world. He will be dearly missed by those close to him, and his built work will remind us of his hard work and goodwill. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to one of the following in Jim’s memory: Sycamore Land Trust or Friends of the Monroe County Public Library. Thank you for honoring Jim’s legacy of thoughtful, community-centered design and life. A memorial gathering in Jim’s honor will be held Friday, October 10, 2025, at Cascades Park Waterfall Shelter House; from 4:00 to 6:00PM. Cremation rites have been accorded. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory 4155 South old State Road 37 is handling the arrangements and online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

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James Robert Rosenbarger

April 16, 1952 - August 21, 2025