No matter what type of relationship they had with him, people will remember Jim Bullard as a friendly man who always had a smile.
On Saturday, the former Seymour mayor and police chief died. He was 78.
A celebration of life will be announced later. Cremation has been entrusted to Adams Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Crothersville.
Bullard joined the police force as a uniform patrol officer in 1964 and was promoted to sergeant in 1971. He later earned the title of detective lieutenant before becoming chief in 1980. He served in that role until Jan. 31, 1985.
He was elected mayor in 2003 and took office Jan. 1, 2004. He served until 2008 when he lost in the Democratic primary to John Burkhart.
Bullard also served as president of the Seymour Oktoberfest in the 1990s and was active in establishing the Seymour Museum.
Mary Burgmeier of Seymour was among those who had a working relationship with Bullard. She was on the Seymour City Council when he was mayor.
“Jim was a great friend and fellow working buddy,” she said. “I will miss his smiling face.”
Bonnye Good was appointed director of the Seymour Department of Public Works when Bullard became mayor.
“Jim had a big heart and genuinely cared about Seymour,” she said. “He was a great listener, whether in department and council meetings or when talking to residents about their concerns. Jim knew when to be serious but was also quick to laugh.”
During the first two years of his term as mayor, Good said the city had several serious events, including instances of abnormally extreme weather.
“He was always there to offer support for his team and to help find solutions to problems as they arose,” Good said.
Sean Hildreth of Seymour said Bullard holds a special place in his heart because he led the marriage ceremony for him and his wife, Sara, in 2004.
“Jim was a great man and a wonderful community member,” Hildreth said.