Veteran
James “Jim” R. Dennis, 81, of Archbold passed away 12:10 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, at Fountain Park in Bryan.
He was born Dec. 28, 1941, in Wauseon to Lincoln Dennis and Marjorie Dennis, Sindel (the late Walt).
He married the love of his life, Eleanor (McKnight) Dennis on Feb. 22, 1975, and she preceded him in death unexpectedly just six days earlier.
After high school Jim served his country in the U.S Navy. Upon discharge from the service his passion became truck driving which he did for 50-plus years. He would also help his dad on the farm.
Jim was a sometimes an ornery man, also a jokester, and in his leisure enjoyed a game of cards with “the guys” at McDonald’s or could be found enjoying a meal with his wife Eleanor at The Home Restaurant in Archbold, a favorite of theirs. They also enjoyed traveling together.
Daily Jim would read the newspaper to keep in touch with current happenings. He was a former member of The Elks in Wauseon. Jim loved his grandchildren, giving each of them their own nickname, and he loved animals, especially their dogs.
He is survived by his children, Kellye (Mark) Baldridge and Chad (Lauren) Dennis; grandchildren, Alexandrea (Marcus) Wiechers, Mackenzie (Guadalupe) Carpenter and Caleb (Sydney) Baldridge; great-grandchildren, Emma, Annalyse, Marshal, Aria, Zara and Ellie.
He was preceded in death by his parents and step father; a brother, Dale Dennis; and great-grandsons, Elias and Mathias Carpenter.
Visitation for Jim will be held from 1:30-5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, at Walker-Hoening Mortuary, 333 W. Main St., Napoleon, Ohio 43545. Funeral services will follow in the funeral home at 5 p.m., Pastor Kevin McKnight officiating. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Post #300 of Napoleon at 5:30 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be considered to Alzheimer’s Foundation or LifeWise Academy.
Online expressions of sympathy may be made by visiting www.hoeningfuneralhome.com.
