James E. Leidel

James E. Leidel - “PAPA” began his life journey on June 7, 1933 to Frederick Sr. and Alpha (Richardson) Leidel. He attended and played quarterback at Clay High School. He then joined the US Marine Corps, serving aboard the USS Boxer as a Corporal. After his service, he worked for CSX for over 40 years as a longshoreman and was a life member of the Northwood VFW Post #2984. 

Jim had a wide range of interests. He loved sports, coaching Beverly Baseball, and leading the Boy Scouts at St. Petri. He was a private pilot and member of the Portage Valley Flying Club. He flew several times and attended 16 years in a row, to one of the world’s largest air shows in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Jim and Barbara loved traveling and visited every state except Alaska.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Barbara (Growden) Leidel; children Cindy (Ron) Blevins, Terry (Julie) Leidel, Tamara Leidel, Keith (Linda) Leidel, Jon (Evelyn) Leidel; Jim’s Grandchildren – (Cindy’s) Tiffany and Marissa, (Terry’s) Angie, Blair and Logan, (Tamara’s) Joe, Jeremy and Allison (Keith’s) Jordan, Laiken, and (Jon’s) Laura and Kevin. Proud and very loving Great-Grandfather of- Hanna (of Marissa), Queahna, Lindsey, Ella, Parker, Dylan, Abigail and Preston (of Joe), Addison, Sloan, Kade (of Jeremy) Aiden and Lucas (of Blair), Dylan and Maddison (of Laura).

Preceded in death by his parents- Frederick Sr. and stepmother Viola Leidel, mother Alpha Weiler and stepfather Melvin Weiler, brother- Frederick Leidel, sister- D’nesse Hartzell.  Survived by brother - Dr. Nelson (Alice) Leidel.    Jim’s family is very grateful for all the kindness and support shown by Hospice of Northwest Ohio (especially his aid Rachel and nurse Laura).

 In Lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Petri Lutheran Church or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

To commemorate Jim’s life, friends and family are welcome to his Celebration of Life on Sunday, June 24th 2018, at Heatherdowns Country Club from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.  Military Rites will be conducted at 1:45 p.m., followed by a prayer service at 2:00 p.m.

"Fly me to the moon"!