James E. Donze, 71

James E. Donze, age 71, of rural Mark Center, Ohio, passed away at 9:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 25, 2020, in his home surrounded by his family after an extended illness.  Jim was a 1967 graduate of Fairview High School, a veteran of the United States Air Force serving as a helicopter mechanic in Vietnam and worked for the Ney Oil Company for many years.  His true passion though, was farming.   He was a master of his craft winning multiple trade awards and honors over the years.   Jim also sold and constructed Brock and Stor-Mor grain bins all around the area and was a Mycogen Seed dealer.  He was a very active member of the community.  He served as a Farmer Township Trustee for sixteen years, attended  the Farmer United Methodist Church, was a member of Farmer American Legion Post # 137, Sherwood VFW Post #5665, and was a longtime member of the Farmer volunteer fire department.  He also served on the ASCS board for nine years, the Landmark Co-op board and was a charter member of the Fairview Young Farmers.  He enjoyed pulling antique tractors, trucks and in more recent years, lawn mowers with his grandsons.  Jim was also a classic car lover and enjoyed attending car shows.  Most of all, he loved his grandchildren and enjoyed attending their activities.

James Donze was born on January 5, 1949, in Bryan, Ohio, the son of C.R. “Dean” and R. Undine (Spangler) Donze.  He married Tylene S. Renz on September 28, 1968, in Fort Wayne, Indiana and she survives.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are three daughters, Jilene (David) Richards, of Sherwood, Ohio, Jennifer (Andrew) Filiatraut, of Bay Village, Ohio and Jami (Sam) Speiser, of Mark Center, Ohio; six grandchildren, Kenzie and Ryan Richards, Jacob and Emma Filiatraut, and Owen and Lauren Speiser; and one sister, Shelly (Marty) Reagle, of Sherwood, Ohio and her children, Clinton Reagle and Amanda Troyer.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2020, from 3:00-8:00 P.M. in the Krill Funeral Home, 860 West Mulberry Street, Bryan.  Services will be held on Friday, January 31, 2020, at 11:00 A.M. in the Krill Funeral Home, Bryan, with Reverend Dwight Bowers officiating.  Interment will follow in the Farmer Cemetery with grave side military rites conducted by Farmer American Legion Post #137 and the United States Air Force Honor Guard.

Memorials are requested to Farmer United Methodist Church, Fairview Young Farmers, or Christmas for Kids – Tiana’s Wish.