Nicholas "Nick" Andrew Ames

Nicholas "Nick" Andrew Ames, 32, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on April 28, 2023. Born on June 2, 1990, in La Porte, Indiana, Nick was the beloved son of Dwight and Jody Ames and a cherished brother, uncle, grandson, and friend.

Nick is survived by his parents; grandmother Carol Ames; brother Matthew (Randi) Ames; sister Tammy (Ronaldo) Bitencourt; Sarah (fiancé Eric O’Brien) Ames; sister Emily (Josue) Raya; brother Kyle Ames; sister Renee (Zachary) Wilson; and nieces and nephews Bruno Bitencourt, Lucas Bitencourt, Addison Ames, Haylie Ames, Chloe Bitencourt, Julia Bitencourt, Alvin Raya, and Lorenzo Bitencourt. He also leaves behind numerous adoring aunts, uncles, and cousins. Nick was preceded in death by niece and nephew Kayla and Kayden Ames, as well as several grandparents.

Raised in Union Mills, Nick attended South Central Schools throughout his childhood, where he excelled academically and graduated with honors from South Central High School in 2009. His determination to succeed and commitment to learning was evident in all aspects of his life.

Nick's love for music was apparent from a young age, and he was an integral part of the South Central High School music program. He participated in marching band, pep band, concert band, and jazz band, where his talents as a musician were widely recognized. His dedication to the band earned him the prestigious John Phillip Sousa award and the "Esprit de Corp" (Spirit of the Group) award during his high school years.

A true sports enthusiast, Nick was especially passionate about baseball. Throughout high school, he either played on the team or kept the scorebook for the team every season. His love for the game extended beyond the field, as he announced baseball games for a season in high school. Nick's unique voice and enthusiasm for the sport led to an article being written about him, titled "The Dulcet Tones of Nick Ames." Nick was fortunate enough to work in a field that he was passionate about. Sports was a huge part of his life. He even began teaching his niece about football at only 3 days old. 

Nick's creativity and charisma shined through in his involvement with the drama club at South Central High School. He brought joy and laughter to all who had the pleasure of watching him perform on stage. His dedication to helping others was evident in his involvement with the Leo Club, National Honor Society, and the German Club.

A proud graduate of Brigham Young University-Idaho, Nick earned a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Sports Management. During his time at BYU-Idaho, Nick was involved in various rec leagues, including softball and bowling, (with his little sister), and even refereed leagues he didn't participate in, such as flag football, futsol, and basketball. His rec softball team, the Boomstix, won the league championship, and Nick was a proud captain. He also worked for the student-run recreation department, where he was loved by everyone he worked and interacted with. At the end of his undergraduate program, he interned and worked for the South Bend Cubs and loved every minute of it. He made many friends and touched many people. Any time he came home to visit after leaving the Cubs, he made a special effort to go visit Mary Lou in the South Bend Cubs gift shop. The Cubs were his team, even in the minor leagues.

Nick's passion for sports led him to pursue a Master's in Sports Management from Indiana State University. While completing his degree, he interned and worked for Rose Hulman. Before even graduating, Nick interviewed for and was hired as the assistant director for recreation and club sports at the University of South Carolina-Upstate. 

Throughout his life, Nick was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served an honorable mission in the Alaska Anchorage Mission from August 2009 to August 2011. He received the Duty to God award during his youth.

Nick's dedication to his work and passion for sports led to a significant increase in student involvement in recreation and club sports at USC-Upstate, where he was instrumental in starting the E-Sports program, securing funding, and setting up the club space on campus.

In 2022, Nick accepted a position as the assistant director of recreation wellness - sports programs at Butler University. Although it was a lateral career move, Nick was enthusiastic about the opportunity to be closer to his family. He showered his family with "Butler Bulldogs" gear, especially his nieces and nephews, and began teaching classes, including pickleball. Nick was recently admitted to Butler University's MBA program and was due to begin classes on May 13th. His main career goal was always to work for Notre Dame, but after less than a year, he frequently told friends and family that he would be happy to work for Butler for the rest of his life… and he did.

Nick's love for sports was only surpassed by his love for his family, his Heavenly Father, and his Savior Jesus Christ. No one who knew him had anything bad to say about him; if he met you, you were a friend. Intelligent, faith-filled, and passionate, Nick will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Visitation for Nick will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon CST, on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana. Funeral services will begin at 12 noon CST, following the visitation in the funeral home. Bishop Jacob Jackson will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.  

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.  

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