James Edward Bernhard

December 28, 1942 - August 13, 2018

James Edward Bernhard, 75 of Ashland, formerly of Savannah passed away on Monday evening, August 13, 2018 in Ohio Health MedCentral Hospital.

He was born on December 28, 1942 in Sunbury to the late Harold Clayton and Lois (nee Crooks) Bernhard.

Jim graduated from Savannah High School, Class of 1960. Following high school, he went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science from the Ohio State University in 1964. While an OSU student, he was elected into Towers, an academic agriculture honorary. Jim was dedicated farmer all of his adult life.

He married the former Judith Martha Ramsey on June 16, 1963 at the United Methodist Church in Savannah by Pastor Robert Snyder.

Jim was a devoted member of the Savannah United Methodist Church where he served on numerous committees and sang in the choir. He was a former drummer with the Ohio Community Band, Odd's & End Band, and sang with the Golden Serenaders at the Senior Center. He was also a member of the Ashland Ohio Farm Bureau and Savannah Lion's Club where he was a Melvin Jones Fellow Recipient for his dedicated humanitarian service to Lion's Club International Foundation. Most of all Jim will be most notably remembered as a man of faith and a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren's sporting events and seeing how they all have thrived in their own lives.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Judy Bernhard of Ashland; two sons, Timothy (Deb) Bernhard of Shiloh and Dr. Matthew (Tricia) Bernhard of Ashland; five grandsons, Kyle (Jenny), Ethan (Brooke), Zach, Nick, and Nathan Bernhard; four granddaughters, Natalie and Erin Bernhard, Elizabeth (Alec) Durbin and Emily (Dr. Drew) Figley; two great granddaughters, Khloe and Kenzie Bernhard; and two sisters, Jean (Tom) Sprinkle and Janice (Ted) Glenn.

In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his son Rodney Clayton Bernhard on July 9, 2016.

Funeral services will be held, Sunday, August 19, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in the Savannah United Methodist Church with Reverend Johnnie F. Swann officiating. Interment will follow in Savannah Cemetery. Friends may call Friday, August 17, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home with Lion's services at 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made the Crestview F.F.A., 1575 State Route 96, Ashland, Ohio 44805 or to Crestview Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 1701, Mansfield, Ohio 44901 or to Savannah United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 177, Savannah, Ohio 44874.

James was a member of the marching band in 1960. He played snare drum in L-Row.