James L. “Jim” Ashbacher,

James L. “Jim” Ashbacher, age 77, of Defiance, Ohio, died at 8:35 A.M. on Saturday, February 27, 2016, in his home after an extended illness. Mr. Ashbacher was employed by All-Star Products near Defiance from 1956 until the plant closed in 1979 and worked for Oren Elliott Products in Edgerton, Ohio, as a foreman, retiring with twenty-one years of service. He enjoyed horses, riding and training contest horses and owning is own harness racing horse and later enjoyed working out harness racing horses for others. He also trained championship Walker dogs and ran night hunts for many years and later raised Boston Terriers with his wife in their business, Ashbacher Boston Terriers.

James L. “Jim” Ashbacher was born on July 24, 1938, in Defiance, Ohio, the son of Harlan and Irene (Rau) Ashbacher. He married Verda L. Clifton on December 6, 1958, in Defiance and she survives.

Surviving in addition to his wife are one son, Troy Ashbacher, of Defiance; two granddaughters, Bethanie and Summer Ashbacher; one great- grandson, who always made him smile, Raymond James Ashbacher; one sister, JoAnn Wilhelm, of Saginaw, Michigan; two sisters-in-law, Carolyn Hill, of Montpelier, Ohio, and Sue Clifton, of West Unity, Ohio; and two nieces and a one nephew, in Saginaw.

In keeping with Jim’s wishes there will be no visitation or services.

Krill Funeral Service in Bryan, Ohio, has been entrusted with arrangements.