James A. Kohler

James A. Kohler, Sr., 79, of Gibsonburg, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, November 3, 2013. He was born on September 18, 1934 to Earl L. Kohler and Ellen (Strasel) Davies. He married Mary Ellen Nieset on July 17, 1954, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Gibsonburg, where they were both members, and they raised a family of nine children. Jim was a 1952 graduate of Gibsonburg High School. Following his graduation, Jim began a 37-year career at Toledo Edison, until his retirement as a senior lineman. He spent his retirement years operating a sawmill that his father, Earl, built on Jim's homestead. An avid sportsman, Jim was a life member of the Sandusky County Sportsmen's Club and a staunch advocate of Second Amendment rights. Jim thoroughly enjoyed a spirited debate on many topics, especially political issues. His family and friends will recall with a smile some of his favorite phrases during these discussions, such as "First of all," "You gotta remember," and various other colorful sayings. Jim enjoyed singing and was well-known in the area for his talent. He sang at weddings and other local events and was a proud member of the Veracious Voices of Victory. Even with his diverse interests, Jim's greatest source of pride was his large, yet close-knit, family. His children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren brought him enormous joy. Left to treasure Jim's memory are his wife, Mary Ellen, and children, Sally (Tim) Hodson, Jim, Jr. (Margaret), Matthew (Angie), Steven, Andrew (Beth), Paul (Mindy), David (Cyndi), and Brian (Stacy). He is also survived by his seventeen grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and his siblings, Vivian Hammer, Norma (Larry) Friar, and Donald (Ruthie) Davies, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Earl Kohler and Ellen and Roy Davies; by his sisters, Jane Shull and Karen Conroy; and by his brother, Richard Kohler. He was also preceded in death by his infant grandson, Patrick, and by cherished daughter, Kay. Family and friends will be welcomed at the Herman-Kinn-Veh Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Gibsonburg on Thursday, November 7, 2013 from 2-8 p.m. A time for gathering and quiet reflection will be offered Friday, November, 8 beginning 9:30 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Gibsonburg where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Ted Miller will officiate. Burial will be at St. Lawrence Cemetery, Gibsonburg. Contributions in Jim's memory may be made to the Kay Kohler Family Scholarship Fund or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.