James Victor Stinebaugh

James V. Stinebaugh, 79, of Wapakoneta, passed away 10:00 a.m., Friday July 24, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born October 10, 1946, in Lima the son of the late John and Florence (Ruck) Stinebaugh. He was also preceded in death by his step-mother, Joan Stinebaugh. On January 3, 1970, he married Roxanna L. Perrine and she survives. Other survivors include, 3 sons- Tony (Dawn) Stinebaugh, Wapakoneta, Eric M. (Kaylynn Cogil) Stinebaugh, Nashville, TN, Chad A. (Marianne Jackson) Stinebaugh, Wapakoneta; 3 grandchildren, Logan (Jordyn) Ricker, Mason Ricker, Addi Stinebaugh; a great grandson, Graham Ricker; siblings, Marlene (Melvin) Luttmer, St. Henry, OH, Susie (Henry-dec) Klima, AZ, Nick-dec (Peggy) Earl, Wapakoneta; sister-in-law, Debbie (Ed) Hickman; several nieces and nephews. Jim worked as a draftsman for Stinebaugh Construction and later for Frost Co., both in Wapakoneta. He also served as a teacher’s aide with the Auglaize County Educational Service Center and later worked in the maintenance department at the Hampton Inn in Lima. A 1964 graduate of St. Joseph High School, Jim continued his education at Stautzenberger College in Toledo. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Jim was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wapakoneta. He was also a proud member of Wapakoneta V.F.W. Post #8445, American Legion Post #330, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #1126, and the Wapakoneta Country Club. An avid golfer, Jim celebrated two holes-in-one during his years at the Wapakoneta Country Club. He also had the honor of serving on the V.F.W. Honor Guard, paying tribute to fellow veterans through military funeral honors. Jim’s family smiles in the realization that if the Pearly Gates needed any maintenance, Jim analyzed any problems upon arrival. Squeaky hinges have been oiled and any unbalance has been shimmed by nearby sugar packets or scraps of wood. A perfectionist and constant contemplator of how to improve every project he tackled, Jim would work tirelessly to help others and when the job was done he would continue to wonder if he could make it even better. Jim loved helping people. He’d find joy in helping his neighbors with snow removal or mowing for them. He never knew a stranger and enjoyed catching up with people. He loved serving his community and especially enjoyed his time working with the school and would proudly boast about the accomplishments of his students and the connections he would make during his time working with kids. He believed the best of people and in the good intentions of others. Even when people fell short of expectations, he’d rationalize plausible explanations - always optimistic in the pureness of another’s heart. As the father of three athletic boys, he shared his love of sports, proudly watching and cheering on his boys as they grew up. As a grandfather to a granddaughter, he happily evolved to enthusiastically showing up for cheer competitions, dance competitions and recitals and surprised everyone in favoring her hip hop routines over all the rest; always proud to watch his special girl shine on stage. Most recently, he enjoyed becoming a great-grandfather and beginning again to watch a toddler boy explore the world around him. For years he made time to bond with his boys and their friends watching NASCAR and made a lifetime of memories camping with them at Bristol, sitting around a campfire sharing funny stories and soaking in every moment of family time with his sons. Jim took a lot of pride knowing that he and Roxie nurtured a loving family and raised three boys who are kind and compassionate. His family is armed with a lifetime of guidance and in leading by example, lessons that will be remembered and passed down to future generations as a legacy worth preserving. Jim had a wonderful sense of humor and a contagious laugh and was a good sport in accepting teasing over his many mishaps. Jim had a knack for banging his head on the same object multiple times a day - never moving the object nor remembering it’s location for the future. He was the first to cut his finger on any saw during construction projects and once fell through his son’s kitchen floor during remodeling. Often, he’d giggle like a teenager as he’d suspiciously back out of a room knowing he’d left the air quality questionably hazardous. He could easily poke fun at himself entertaining the entire family with stories of his youth while laughing and wiping away happy tears from his eyes. Jim had a playful and ornery disposition throughout his life, enjoying every moment spent with his equally ornery buddies whether they were golfing, having dinner together or just sitting on the front porch. Jim always said that Roxie was a saint for putting up with his complaints about his golf game and numerous ideas and plans for new projects, but the two happily enjoyed their lives together since they were teenagers and their love for each other was apparent to anyone in a room with them. Jim found a lot of amusement in life loving their various quirky and humorous family dogs and most recently, he enjoyed walking miles a day with Bogey, their stubborn little rescue pup. Those of us privileged to know Jim well would have so many complimentary ways to describe him, but he would have been proudest to be described as patriotic. While Jim didn’t talk much about his time in Vietnam, his time there was never far from his mind. He served his country proudly. His time in service reflected his enduring commitment to helping others and his steadfast sense of duty. He carried this sense of duty into every aspect of his life. Of utmost importance to Jim was that Americans should have respect for our country and its veterans. Some of his last moments involved concern for other veterans and how to best care for them in the future. He would be proud to know that we hold deep respect and love for him as a patriotic veteran and loving family man whose values will continue to be passed to future generations. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wapakoneta, with Fr. Sean Wilson officiating. Burial is to follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery, Wapakoneta, where military rites will be conducted by the Wapakoneta V.F.W. Post #8445. The family will receive friends 2-7 p.m., Tuesday, July 28, 2026, and 9-9:45 a.m., Wednesday at the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta. During the visitation, the family encourages friends to wear red, white and blue clothing. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter #1126 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

James Victor Stinebaugh

October 10, 1946 - July 24, 2026