James L. Reesman
James Leonard Reesman, age 83, of Mansfield, died Friday, September 10, 2021.
Jim was born February 12, 1938 in South Buffalo Township, Freeport, PA. He was a 1956 graduate of Freeport High School and immediately began a career with PPG, Ford City, which ultimately moved Jim and his family to the Mansfield area. He spent the remainder of his career at PPG in Crestline retiring in 2000 after serving 44 years with the company.
For over 20 years, Jim was a member of Gospel Baptist Church in Galion, and was a lifelong Steelers fan. As a fascinating hobby, Jim was a cave explorer – a spelunker to be exact – taking many trips to various caves with family and friends. Jim also was proud to have written a book about his childhood and life, called, “A Lifetime of Memories.” Some of his favorites were ‘50s music, specifically Beach Boys, saxophone music, Gravely tractors, books by author Clive Cussler, and his collection of model cars. One of his favorite places to be was the family “Camp” back in PA.
Jim will be remembered for his quiet and kind demeanor, along with his dry sense of humor. He always had a grin on his face and his inquisitive nature could keep any conversation going – he truly cared what you thought or how you were doing.
Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Elaine (Grafton) Reesman, whom he wed on October 17, 1959 and was the love of his life. Also surviving are their three daughters: Debbie (Russ) Corwin of Tucson, AZ, Vicki Howard of Mansfield, and Kristi (Jim) Hostetler of Luray, TN; 6 grandchildren: Brandon (Jennifer) Corwin, Joey Corwin, Nick Corwin (fiancée, Alyssa Gummert), Heather (Luke) Carpenter, A.J. (Kristy) Howard, and Ryan (Ally) Hostetler; several step-grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; and a brother: Don (Marlene) Reesman of Huntsville, AL. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Leonard Charles and Ruth Alice (Gillam) Reesman.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Sunday, October 24, 2021 from 2-4 pm at Shelby Church of the Nazarene, 111 E. Whitney Avenue, Shelby. Immediately following at 4 pm will be a celebration of both Jim and Elaine’s lives; having spent so many years together, the family feels it’s only appropriate to celebrate this sweet couple together. Funeral services will be officiated by Pastor Lester Champer. Burial will be in Ontario Community Cemetery. Care for Jim and his family is being provided by the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, Ohio 44875.
Appropriate ways to express sympathy for those unable to attend may be done by leaving an online condolence on Jim’s obituary at www.PenwellTurner.com or by leaving a comment on his post on the funeral home’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.
To view Jim and Elaine Reesman’s tribute video, follow the link provided: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/LB56XKP6RL874LKY
To the Reesman family and friends.
I knew Jim from PPG and going to the same church back in the 70’s or 80’s. He was a wonderful man to be around, and walked the walk when it came to the teachings of Christ. He will be missed by those that have known him over the years. Praying for God’s comfort to those missing him.
Debbie, Vicky and Kristi,
I remember your entire family from our years at Conservative Baptist together. What a wonderful church family we all were back then. Your dad’s smile and kind nature stands out in my memories all through the years. Our families have always been so similar – even now with the loss of one of our parents coming so close together. It makes me smile to know mom and your dad are reunited in that group of heavenly friends that has been gathering. You three girls are so precious. Love you so much. Praying for each of you and sending hugs and love. Vanessa Lilly Gardner
I first want to extend my deepest condolences to Elaine. Jim wasa kind, loving, caring man. He loved the Lord, his family and life in general. Jim was a good man. We will miss him very much and considered it a privilege to know him and call him friend.
Dear Elaine & girls, We will always remember Jim with the smile he always had on his face and his kind personality. Darry loved working with him, they had so many wonderful conversations. He will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know him.
We are sending our love and sympathy to all of you. May God. wrap you in his arms and help you through this difficult time. Love, Darry & Becky Thomas