James Christian Tapley, age 56, Albany, died unexpectedly on Wednesday September 2, 2026 at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. Born in Muncie on August 15, 1970, he lived near Albany all of his life and was a 1989 graduate of Delta High School. James drove a truck for B&L Trucking for over 20 years and in earlier years hauled grain by semi. As a young man he belonged to Muncie PAL Club. He enjoyed fishing, his freshwater aquarium fish, his dogs & cats, and collecting guitars. After the loss of his son, he learned to play the guitar and found comfort in playing music.

Survivors include his parents: Ron & Shirley Tapley, Albany; girlfriend: Nancy Fry, Albany; son: Christopher Tapley, Muncie; daughter: Madison Tapley, Muncie; brothers: Jonathan Tapley (wife: Jamie), Yorktown, and Jerimiah Tapley, New Castle; also surviving are nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

His is preceded in death by his wife of 16 years, Lori Lee (Johnson) Tapley; son: Steven Tapley, and sister: Ronda Tapley.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at Meacham Funeral Service followed by the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Black Cemetery.