James M. "Jim" Sawmiller

James M. “Jim” Sawmiller, 77, of Wapakoneta, died 12:01 a.m., Sat. Feb. 10, 2018, at Mercy Health – St. Rita’s, Lima, with his family at his side. He was born April 6, 1940, in Buckland, OH, the son of Warren & Lucille (Briggs) Sawmiller, who preceded him in death. On Aug. 5, 1961, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Jane L. Kentner, and she preceded him in death on Jan. 17, 2007. Survivors include, 4 sons, Jeffrey (Elaine) Sawmiller, Jerry (Nikki) Sawmiller, both of Wapakoneta; Jay (Bridget) Sawmiller, Bloomfield Hills, MI; & Jon (Jodi) Sawmiller, Maria Stein, OH; 10 grandchildren, Tyler, Ashley, Jessica, Sarah, Kristine, Audrey, Conor, Nicolas, EJay, & Hank; 8 great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Beverly Bockey, Spencerville, & Mae Ambos, Botkins; sisters-in-law, Betty Jo Sawmiller, Wapakoneta; Deborah Sawmiller, FL; Joann (Larry) Jauert, CA; Ruth Doering, Wapakoneta; Barb (Max) Place, Wapakoneta; Yvonne Ruese, VA; brother-in-law, Dean (Donna) Kentner, Wapakoneta, numerous nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by brothers, William Sawmiller & Gary Sawmiller; and sister-in-law & brothers-in-law, Joyce & Mike Schlenker, Pete Bockey, Darrell Ambos, Ned Doering, & Mike Ruese. Jim worked for Dana Corporation in Lima for 30 years before retiring in 2002. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Moulton, and a member of the former Wapakoneta Elks. A 1958 graduate of Buckland High School, he was a retired member of the Buckland Volunteer Fire Dept. Jim was an avid sports fan. He rooted for the Reds, tolerated the Bengals and cheered loudly for the Buckeyes. But above all, he loved the Wapakoneta Redskins. You could find him in the stands of games for both boys and girls. He was a walking almanac of Redskin sports history of past players, games and even scores. Jim was a founding member of the Marathon Coffee & Opinion Club and President of the Wapakoneta Scratch-off Lottery Association. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Wed. Feb. 14, 2018, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Moulton, with Pastor Melodi Hagen officiating. Burial is to follow in the Resthaven Memory Gardens, near Moulton. The family will receive friends 2-8 p.m., Tues. at the Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, 1102 Lincoln Ave., (St. Rt. 501) Wapakoneta, and 1 hr. prior to the service, Wed. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Wapakoneta Athletic Boosters Club or the Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment Fund.

James M. "Jim" Sawmiller

April 6, 1940 - February 10, 2018