James "Jim" Spangler

James Frederick Spangler, 84, of Gibson City, formerly of Mansfield, Ohio, died at 11:05am on August 17, 2023 with his sons by his side.

He will be laid to rest, next to his beloved wife, Paula, at a private graveside ceremony. His final, “Buckeye Watch Party” will be Saturday, October 7th, at the Deer Ridge Golf Club in Bellville, Ohio from noon until the Buckeyes win. Friends and family are invited to join his children and grandchildren to celebrate this amazing man (wearing your Scarlet and Gray, of course). Bring your favorite story to share; food and drinks are on Jim.

Jim was born on February 14, 1939 in Lancaster, Ohio, a son of Dr Frederick and Anna Ruth Spangler. He graduated from Lancaster High School in 1957. He attended The Ohio State University and graduated from Ohio Northern University where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He married Paula Jean Mitchell on June 27, 1964. He served honorably in the US Army while stationed in Colorado before settling in Aurora, IL to start his family. He led by example, with the dedication and hard work, that he put into his jobs at Illinois Institute of Technology, Oberweis Dairy, Hartman-Spreng, and Hood’s Ace Hardware.

Surviving are his two sons; Mark (Ann) and Todd (Kelly); seven grandchildren, Emily (John Massey), Katherine, Kendall, Shannon, Karson, Keaton, and Colton; one great granddaughter, Amelia Massey; his sister, Suzanne Kendrick (Dr. Ronald); and Paula’s brother, John Mitchell (Martha); along with his extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Jim and Paula made Mansfield/Lexington their home for 29 years. They were blessed to live with Todd’s family in Georgia for 3 years and finally settled in Gibson City, IL near Mark’s family. He was a dedicated Buckeyes and Browns fan all his life. He liked to golf, (could never chip) and was active with the American Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gibson City. His life was dedicated to his wife, sons, and grandchildren. Nothing made him happier than watching his grandchildren play, perform, and participate in their favorite activities. Jim’s boys have lost their biggest fan.

In place of memorials, the family asks that you, instead, take some time and a few bucks and make some memories with your children or grandchildren. It’s what “Papa” would have done.