James John Eberly

James "Jim" John Eberly, 89 of Fremont passed away late Friday, October 19, 2012 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 30, 1923 in Fremont to John B. and Rosa (Buchman) Eberly. Jim was a 1941 graduate of Fremont Ross High School. On May 30, 1950 he married Harriet H. Bookmyer at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Clyde and she survives. Jim was a lifelong member of St. Ann's Catholic Church where he ushered for a number of years, the St. Vincent DePaul Society, and lifelong honorary member of the Knights of Columbus 591, honorary life member 4th Degree DeSoto Assembly 805. He was a past Commander and life member Post 121 American Legion (Fremont) for 64 years, past chef DeGare #1057 40-8, life member of the VFW #2947 (Fremont), Military Order Cooties Pup Tent #4, past president F.O.P. Lodge #35. Jim served in the U.S. Army during WWII in North Africa with the Allied Force Headquarters and in Italy with 977 Sig Bn 5th Army from 1942-1946. He received EAME Service Medal w/2 bronze campaign stars, the victory medal, occupation medal (Germany), Award of Merit, Armed Forces Reserve Medal 20 years, and the Armed Forces Achievement medal. Jim served in Germany during the Korean Conflict as First Sargent 887 FA.Bn. In ONG as Sgt. Major HHT 3d Sqdn 107 ACR, Toledo, OH and as Command Sgt Major of 612 Engineer Bn. (Cbt) Toledo, in 1972. While stationed in Germany in 1953, he was invited to a special audience for veterans with Pope Pius XII. Jim was also a life member of the AMVETS Post #17 (Sandusky County), a member of the Retired Assistance Association, the Ohio National Guard and a lifetime charter member of the National WWII Memorial. For many years Jim kept score for the State Golf Tournament for American Cancer Society at the Firestone Country Club in Akron where he received a complimentary ride in the Good Year Blimp in 2000. Jim retired from the Fremont Police Dept. as Sargent, with 25 years of service. He then was employed at Liberty National Bank and then Bank One as Manager of Collections and Security, retiring in 1984. He was a long time staff member of the Nopper-Karlovetz Mortuary and Herman-Kinn-Funeral Homes where he was a dedicated assistant to the funeral home and community he served. Jim was a member of the Honor Guard and was Sargent at Arms for all the military funerals for many years. Also assisting the American Legion and VFW Posts with raising money for military services they provide. Jim enjoyed playing golf, traveling and wintering in Texas. He was a member of the Senior Golf League of Sycamore Hills where he also played for the Herman-Kinn Funeral Home Team. He was also a member of the Sycamore League Golf Club for many years. Jim was also a former member of the Fremont Moose Lodge and Elks. Surviving are sons, James J. (Jean) Eberly Jr. of Bellevue and Richard C. (Laura) Eberly of Fremont; granddaughters, Elizabeth (Andy) Brown of Pataskala, OH, Leslie (Matthew) Sanctis of Fairborn, OH and Laura (David) Kline of Powell, OH; great grandchildren, Shiloh Kline and Connor Brown; also many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, sons, Michael and Robert; sister, Ruth Eberly; brother, Lt. Col. Charles W. Eberly (ret.) and sister, Bernadette Recktenwald. Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 from 1-4 & 6-9 p.m. at the Herman-Kinn-Karlovetz Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Fremont where there will be a wake service provided by Deacon Tom Ackerman and F.O.P. services that day. At 6 p.m. the 40-8 will provide a short service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church with Rev. Michael Zacharias officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery/Calvary Section with full military honors provided by Fremont American Legion and VFW Post. Memorial contributions in Jim's memory may be made to St. Ann's Church, Hospice of Memorial Hospital, American Heart or Lung Association or to a charity of the donor's choice.