James Edward Daubenmire

James Edward Daubenmire, age 96, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2023 with his family at his side.

Born in Lancaster, he is preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Patty Sells Daubenmire, his parents Ernest and Mildred (Manning) Daubenmire, brother, Bill Daubenmire, brothers-in-law Duke and Bill Sells and in-laws Bob and Betty Sells.

Survived by children Becky (Dale) Martin, Jim (Carolyn) Daubenmire, Tom (Carol) Daubenmire, Susan (Tom) Tobin, and Lisa (Scott) Stiving; grandchildren Abby (Phil) Herington, Andy (Julie) Daubenmire, Phil (Michelle) Daubenmire, Kevin (Marissa) Daubenmire, Stuart (Catherine) Daubenmire, Elizabeth (Joey) Haselmayer, Amy (Brad) Sims, Emily (Jered) Moses, Dan (Emily) Stiving, Jimmy (Alyssa) Stiving, Lydia Stiving, Aubrey (Nick) Wagner and Allie Tobin; 23 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, including Cindy (George) Wagner and Bryan Daubenmire, brother-in-law Mike (Susan) Sells, and sister-in-law Joan Stafford.

Jim is a member of the Lancaster High School Distinguished Hall of Fame, where he lettered in three sports and graduated in 1944.  After serving in the United States Army, including a tour in the Philippines, he completed a bachelor degree at Ohio University in elementary education and a Master’s degree at the University of Toledo in Education Administration.  While at UT, he taught and coached at Perrysburg.   Jim retired from the Lancaster City School District after 36 years of service, including being the first principal of Tallmadge Elementary while also serving as principal at Utica Elementary, until becoming the Director of Elementary Education. He also served as the initial director of Fairfield County Head Start and supervised student teachers at Ohio University-Lancaster.

Jim was a member of the First United Methodist Church for 73 years, where he served on various committees and boards. He also was a youth baseball coach, umpire, and member of the Jaycees. As an avid bowler Jim and his father won the Lancaster doubles bowling title for one year running.  Also lovingly known as “The Big Kahuna”, he faithfully attended sporting, music and other activities of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  A lifelong supporter of education, he was particularly proud that all 5 children and 13 grandchildren obtained college degrees.   

A memorial service will be held Monday, April 17, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church with the Reverend Doctor Brian Jones officiating.  The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 16, 2023 from 6:30-8:30 pm at Crossroads Ministry Center, 2095 West Fair Avenue.  Caring Cremation® has taken place. A live broadcast of the funeral service will be hosted on Monday, April 17, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. on the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home and Crematory Facebook page. There will be a private inurnment ceremony at West Rushville Cemetery at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in Jim's name to the First United Methodist Church, 163 E. Wheeling Street, Lancaster, OH 43130. Whoa!!

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