James Edward Rimelspach

September 28, 1916 - June 20, 2015

James Edward Rimelspach, age 98, of Logan, Ohio, passed away, Saturday, June 20, 2015 at the Kobacker House in Columbus, Ohio. Born September 28, 1916 in Fremont, Ohio, he was the son of the late Edward Stanislaus and Ellen (Tracy) Rimelspach.

Jim loved life and all of God's country from a very young age. After graduating from high school, he attended The Ohio State University, where he received a B.S. in Horticulture. He was also a trombonist in the OSU Marching Band when the very first Script Ohio was performed in Ohio Stadium. In 1938, Jim moved to Logan on assignment for work, making government loans to farmers. Not long after moving to Logan, Jim met his wife Betty while attending St. John Catholic Church. Jim enlisted in the Navy in the midst of WWII, and was active until the war ended. He and Betty were married at St. John Church on April 26, 1943. Jim began working for Nationwide Insurance in 1947, where he spent 35 years as an insurance agent, until his retirement in 1982.

Jim has had many different ministries at St. John Church. He was a Greeter during Mass and enjoyed working the parish fish-fries as a member of the Knights of Columbus-St. James Council #2299. He also loved to spend time fishing with his son, Jeff, and would clean and fry the catch of the day himself. Jim was a member of the Logan Kiwanis Club since 1942, and started volunteering at the Hocking County Regional Welcome Center as a travel assistant in 1994, sharing his love for the Hocking Hills with tourists. He also greatly enjoyed his travels throughout the United States and some foreign countries.

He is survived by one son, Reverend Father Jeffrey James Rimelspach of Columbus, Ohio; a sister-in-law, Catherine Weiland Angelo of Logan, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Florence Beatrice "Betty" Rimelspach (2002); four sisters, Angela Daubel, Dorothy Reineck Elizabeth Newton, and Jane Still; and one brother, Dr. John Rimelspach.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at St. John Catholic Church, Logan, Ohio with Reverend Father Jeffrey James Rimelspach officiating. Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at Roberts Funeral Home, from 5-8 P.M. with a Christian Vigil Service being held at 8 P.M. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Logan, Ohio, with a Graveside Military Service being conducted by the Hocking County Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions in Jim's name may be made to St. John Catholic Church, 351 North Market Street, Logan, Ohio 43138, or Saint Margaret of Cortona Catholic Church, 1066 North Hague Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204.

Letters of condolence may be left at www.robertsfuneralhomelogan.com

Jim was a member of the marching band from 1934 through 1938. He played trombone.