James R. "Jim" Gerding

James R. “Jim” Gerding

  KALIDA – James R. “Jim” Gerding, 82, of Kalida, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.  Born January 12, 1941, in Glandorf, the son of the late Cornelius and Eleanor (Rosenbauer) Gerding.  On August 22, 1964, he married Helen S. Lammers at New Cleveland Holy Family Catholic Church, who survives.

   Jim is survived by four children:  Mark (Mary) Gerding of Kalida, Roger (Kim) Gerding of Ada, Mike (Annette) Gerding and Alan Gerding, both of Kalida; seven grandchildren: Neil (Lexi) Gerding of Kalida, Carrie (Houston) Fortney of Columbus, Abby Gerding and Alison Gerding, both of Ada, Trent Gerding of Cincinnati, Tara Gerding of Troy, and Maria Gerding of Kalida; one great-grandchild: James G. Gerding; brothers: John (Nancy) Gerding of Miller City, Steve (Gina) Gerding of Glandorf, Don (Joan) Gerding of Ottawa; and a sister-in-law: Judy Gerding of Ottawa.

    He is preceded in death by two sisters, Imogene (Jim) Jones, and Norma (Dave) Fackler; and a brother, Melvin “Butch” Gerding.

  Jim was self-employed as the co-owner of Jim & Mel’s Union 76 Service Station in Ottawa.  Jim was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, Kalida, and its Holy Name Society. He was also a member of the Kalida Fish & Game, and the Ottawa Eagles.   Jim had served in the Army National Guard and with the Putnam County Sheriff Auxiliary.  He loved his grandchildren; he loved watching his sons and grandchildren’s sports and other school activities.  Jim especially loved little James.  He enjoyed his woodworking, sawmill, fishing, and hunting.  Many young people knew him as the “Bubble Gum Man”.

  Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Friday November 3, 2023, at St. Michael Catholic Church, Kalida with Fr. Nathan Bockrath officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  A visitation will be held on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. with a scripture service starting at 1:45 p.m. at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township, and again on Friday from 9 to 10 a.m.

  Memorial donations may be made to The Alzheimer's Association or a charity of the donor’s choice.

  Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com