James M. Benroth

James M. Benroth, 89, of Findlay, peacefully passed away May 3, 2023, at Birchaven Village. He was born in Bluffton on June 6, 1933, to Howard and Naomi (Guthrie) Benroth. James married the love of his life, Imogene Lehman, and she survives.

James worked as a land title contract supervisor for Marathon Petroleum for 37 years. He was extremely active in his community. He organized midget baseball in Findlay and coached little league, pony league and midget football. He was the boy scout committee chairman, vice president of Millstream JVS board, alumni leader for the Bluffton College Alumni Association, medical committee for the Bluffton community, president of the Bluffton air park, pilot and member of the Bluffton Sky Pirates flying club. James was a four-year letterman in baseball, basketball, and football at Bluffton College which earned him a spot in their Hall of Fame. He officiated high school and college football and basketball for over 40 years. He was on the Cory Rawson school board for 16 years, serving as president for part of that time. He also served on the board of Hancock Wood Electric and was an Orange Township trustee. James delivered mobile meals for 50 North and volunteered at Family Services for 25 years. He was a member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, serving as a Sunday school teacher and a superintendent.

James is survived by his loving wife Imogene; sons, Michael Howard (Lisa) of Sandusky, Ohio, Douglas James of Tucson, Arizona, Gregory Lehman of Westerville, Ohio; grandchildren, Kristin Kasperczyk and Michael Benroth; great-grandchildren Kellen Kasperczyk and Peyton Benroth; and sister, Joyce Latham. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Judy Houdeshell.

A celebration of James’ life will be from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 6, 2023, at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 800 S. Main St., Findlay, with Pastor Dan Metzger officiating. Interment at Cannonsburg Union Township Cemetery will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in James’ name to City Mission of Findlay or St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.huffordfh.com.

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