James J. Lehman

James J. Lehman

     CONTINENTAL - James J. Lehman, 58, of Continental, died at 11:54 p.m. Friday, February 2, 2018 at his residence.  He was born June 5, 1959 in Defiance to James L. and Betty J. (Floehr) Lehman. His father is deceased and his mother survives in Defiance. On November 19, 1983, he married the love of his life and best friend, Patricia L. Stateler and she survives in Continental. He raised an adopted son: Kyle W. (Kim) Kosch-Lehman of Kalida. His daughter Emily Lehman of Continental was born June 22, 1989 and Jim was very proud of her as she followed him into the nursing profession.  Also surviving are grandchildren: Tyler, Catie, Wyatt and Brady Lehman; two brothers: Jerry (April) Lehman of Florida, Jeff (Melanie) Lehman of Montpelier; mother-in-law: Helen Stateler of Continental; sisters-in-law: Susan (Dean) Manges, Judy (Doug) Kent and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death also by his father-in-law: Nyle Stateler.

     Jim graduated from Defiance High School in 1977. He graduated from Northwest Tech in Archbold in 1979 with a Hospitality Management Degree. He worked as a Registered Dietetic Technician in nursing homes for 15 years. He was an EMT for Continental EMS for 12 years before returning to College at Lima Technical College where he received his RN degree with honors and was outstanding med/surg student.  He was a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society and worked at Bryan Hospital and St. Rita's Medical Center from 2001 to 2014. He was also a member of the Continental Lions Club and Trinity United Methodist Church, Ottawa.

    A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Continental with Pastor Katie Hayes officiating. Burial will follow at Monroe Cemetery, Continental.  Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and one hour prior to service Wednesday at HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Continental.

     Memorials may be made to St. Rita's Hospice, Continental Library or Trinity United Methodist Church.

     On-line condolences may be expressed at: www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com