James P. Eikenberry

May 24, 1932 - July 30, 1013

James P. "Jim" Eikenberry, 81, of Eaton, died Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at Woodland County Manor in Somerville. He was born on May 24, 1932 in Eaton, son of the late Paul Charles & Lois Esther (Mallow) Eikenberry.

Jim was the former owner and operator of Eikenberry Garden Center and Flower Shop in Eaton. He was a 1950 graduate of Eaton High School and a 1954 graduate of The Ohio State University in Columbus where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Plant Pathology and proudly marched in the Marching Band for four years. Jim was a Captain in the U.S. Air Force from 1954 to 1968 during the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts. He was an honorary member of the Towers Agriculture Society; honorary member of the Kappa Kappa Psi Band Honorary; member of the Eaton Community Band; the Alumni Band for The Ohio State University; the Homer Bacon Band of Preble County and was a Past President, Secretary, Treasurer and Tail Twister for the Eaton Lions Club; member of the American Legion Post 215 in Eaton; the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity; former member and Chairman of the Eaton Planning Board; he was a Preble County Commissioner for 4 years; Past President and board member of the Eaton Area Chamber of Commerce; he was a former trustee and then a director and vice chairman of the Miami Valley AAA; Past President and Treasurer of the Community Improvement Corporation; Executive Director for Economic Development for Preble County; charter member of the Eaton Emergency Squad where he served as the Assistant Chief for 4 years and Squad Chief for 13 years; former member of the St. Paul United Methodist Church in Eaton where he was the head usher for 22 years, and was an active member of the Concord United Church of Christ in Dixon Township, Eaton.

Jim is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elizabeth J. "Betty" Eikenberry; daughters and son-in-law, Lyn K. Earman of Centerville, Ohio; Jane A. Eikenberry of Eaton and Peggy Sue (Ralph) Holmes of Fairport, New York; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A Private Graveside Service will be held at the convenience of the family in Mound Hill Cemetery in Eaton with full military honors provided by the Darke County Honor Guard. A reception for family and friends were held on Saturday, Aug. 3, at Concord United Church of Christ, 2225 Concord-Fairhaven Rd., Eaton, OH 45320.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Concord United Church of Christ, c/o Donald Orr, 3120 Toney-Lybrook Rd, Eaton, OH 45320.

James was a member of the marching band in 1950 through 1954 and played trumpet.