James G. Statzer

James G. Statzer, 80, of St. Rt. 726, Eldorado, OH, died Monday morning, September 22, 2014, at Wayne Hospital, Greenville, OH.

Jim was born October 8, 1933 near Eldorado to Gordon B. & Mildred R. (Beck) Statzer, one of 8 children in the family. He was a 1951 graduate of Monroe School, West Manchester, OH, and went on to serve in the US Army.

One of his favorite pastimes was square dancing. At a dance one evening he was attracted to a young lady, Janiece E. Clark, sitting along the side of the room. He introduced himself and asked her to dance. She was only there to watch, as she did not know how to square dance. Jim not only taught her to dance, but married her, November 17, 1956, and they have been dancing ever since.

Jim worked at Richmond Gear, Richmond, IN for many years and served as their Union President, and then at Square D in Oxford, OH until retirement.

In addition to square dancing, they truly loved camping and sitting around the campfires with their family & friends. They were members of the "Prebles Little Turtles" camping club, and later the "Roamin Trojans", from Troy, OH. They were involved with the Preble County Senior Center and served on the Participant's Council. For many years they were members of the Eaton Church of the Brethren, and then transferred to the Castine Church of the Brethren, where they continue their membership.

Jim loved his grandchildren, and enjoyed playing with them – especially their favorite card game, "Go Fish".

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Edward Leroy Statzer, born February, 1958 & died January, 1991; 3 brothers: Alford Eugene Statzer, Joseph Franklin Statzer, and William Edward Statzer.

Survivors include his wife Janiece; daughter Brenda Kay Statzer, Eldorado; son Duane Lee (Christine) Statzer, Zelienople, PA; Grandsons: Nicholas L. Statzer, Baton Rouge, LA; Eric L. (Heather) Statzer, Ashburn, VA; Phillip E. Statzer, Sumter, SC; and Kelly L. Miller (fiancé Jeremy Evans), West Milton, OH. Also, sisters Martha Jane (William) Smith, Eloy, AZ & Mary Ann (Ben) Grieshop, Germantown, OH; brothers Charles David Statzer, Fairborn, OH & George Robert (Janet) Statzer, Eldorado, OH.

The Service to Celebrate the Life of James G. Statzer will be at 10:30 AM Saturday, September 27th at the Bussard-Barnes-Vaniman Funeral Home, 311 N. Main St., Eldorado, OH, with Pastor Nick Dimmick officiating.
Friends may call Friday, September 26th from 2:00 – 4:00PM and 6:00 – 8:00PM at the Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent via the website at www.barnesfuneralhome.com.