James "Jim" Honigford

OTTOVILLE  - James "Jim" Honigford, 88, beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully on October 13, 2022, at Mercy Health St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima surrounded by family.

Jim was born on May 20, 1934, in Lima, Ohio. He was the third of four children born to the late Ben and Francis Honigford. He graduated from Ottoville High School in 1952.  On September 1, 1956, Jim married his high school sweetheart, JoAnn Pothast at St. John's Catholic Church.  Jim and JoAnn were married for 52 years. She preceded him in death on February 25, 2008.

Jim is survived by eight children: Joan (Keith) Airey, Crawfordsville, IN, Carol (Ray) Eickholt, Van Wert, Sue (Greg) Gordon, Indianapolis, IN, Larry (Janice) Honigford, Ottoville, Tony (Stacey Miller) Honigford, Van Wert, Mary (Kevin) Kimmet, Sylvania, OH, Judy (Bob) Kramer and Dale (Cheryl) Honigford, both of Ottoville; 23 grandchildren and six step-grandchildren; 15 great- grandchildren, with four on the way; and nine great-step-grandchildren; a sister, Jeanette Swary; a brother, Don (Doris) Honigford; and brother-in-law, Bob Pothast.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Jerome Honigford; brothers-in-law: Gerald Swary, Cletus Hickey, and Joe Luersman; sisters-in-law: Sue Pothast, Della Rose Hickey, Catherine Luersman and Betty Honigford.

Jim worked most of his career as a security guard for Clark Equipment in Lima, Ohio and later retired working for Monterey Township.  Jim was raised on a farm tending to animals, hunting, and learning to farm.  He continued to be involved in farming throughout his life.  Nothing made him happier than to be working in the fields.  Jim was also a very talented wood craftsman.  He built a grandfather's clock, baby cradles, rocking horses, serving trays, nativity mangers and other requested items that are cherished by his children and great grandchildren.  He also found joy in his earlier years playing euchre and polka dancing with neighbors and friends.

Jim was a member of Ottoville Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the Brass Notes, and the Insomniac Breakfast Club, held at Eickholt's Farm.  Watching his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren perform in sports, recitals, band and all their activities made him proud and brought him joy.  He has a large legacy of family who will miss him dearly.

Funeral Mass will begin 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 17, 2022 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville with Fr. George Mahas officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Ottoville. Visitation will be held 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township. There will be a scripture service held at 12:30 p.m., Sunday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable donation to Ottoville Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com.

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Ottoville OH 45876

Charity of the donor's choice