James A. Draeger

James Arthur Draeger, 83, of Fremont, passed Monday, January 1, 2024 at Bethesda Care Center. He was born September 3, 1940 in Fremont, the son of Arthur and Edna (Beeker) Draeger.

Jim was a 1958 graduate of Harris-Elmore High School; Bowling Green State University with a B.S. in Journalism, and the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin.

1962 he married Sophia Leach at the New Dover Methodist Church in New Dover, OH.

After graduating from BG, Jim worked as a reporter for the Farmland News in Napoleon, OH. He came to Fremont in 1964, and worked as a news announcer for WFRO radio station. In 1967 he began his banking career with the Liberty National Bank as manager of the Lindsey office.

In 1975, Jim joined Croghan Colonial Bank, and worked there 28 years, retiring as Vice President and served as chairman of the mortgage loan department, and chief agricultural lender.

Jim was a member of Fremont Lions Club, Masons, Scottish Rite and Zenobia Shrine, and an active member of Hayes Memorial United Methodist Church. He served on the Agricultural Committee of the Sandusky County Chamber of Commerce ane was a long-time board member and treasurer of the Sandusky County Chapter of the American Red Cross. He was a talented woodworker and carpenter, turning bowls and vessels from wood he sourced all over the world.

Surviving are his children Laura Draeger Casdorph of Aiken, SC;Jeff (Jen Whereatt) Draeger of Seattle, WA; Eric (Tammy) Draeger of Fremont, OH; grandchildren Madison Casdorph, Levenda Ranney, Jeremy Meade; great-grandchildren Bailey Rose and Destine Lottie Rose Casdorph Azlye and Brexli Ranney; brother Bill ( Joyce) Draeger of Lindsey, OH.

Visitation will take place on Friday, January 5, 2024 from 10-12 Noon at Herman-Karlovetz Funeral Home & Crematory, 900 North Street, Fremont, OH. Where funeral services will begin at Noon officated by Pastor Joshua Wynn. Burial will follow at Harris Union Cemetery, Elmore. Memorial Contributions may be made to Shriner's Children's Hospital or Hayes Memorial United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hermanfh.com