Hershberger W. James

James "Jim" W. Hershberger, 80, of Napoleon, Ohio died on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at University Toledo Medical Center. He was born on a farm outside of Malinta, Ohio and as a boy worked as a farm hand for Frank Eckenrode. When he was 13 he worked for Howard Overhulse at Howard's Mobil gas station. Upon completing high school, he was drafted in to the US Army and sent overseas to Korea. He was honorably discharged in May of 1955 and within 4 months married his love of his life, Arlene (Rohrs) Hershberger. Jim joined the Napoleon Fire Department, serving for 31 years, progressing through the ranks to the level of Chief. In 1976, he went to work for Campbell Soup Company in the Maintenance Department. After retiring from the fire department, he got elected to the Napoleon City Council, where he served 20 years till present. His concern for others and service to the community, along with his family, were the major highlights of his life. Another endeavor that filled most of his time was repairing lawn mowers for all of his friends and family. Jim was also a faithful member of Emanuel Lutheran Church, Napoleon, a life member of the Napoleon VFW, American Legion, and AMVETS Posts. Jim and Arlene were blessed with 3 children, Mike (Holly) Hershberger, Terry (Ruth) Hershberger, and Cheryl Hershberger (Ron Wieder), all of Napoleon, grandchildren; Christine, Amanda, & Faith Hershberger and Gabe Hershberger, Leah Rickenberg, & Anna (Mike) Evans, great grandchildren; Lynesa & Zoe Shock, brothers; Robert (Marilyn) Hershberger and Jerry (Marilyn) Hershberger, both of Napoleon. He was preceded in death by a sister, Erma Ludeman and brother, Howard Overhulse. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 9th, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Napoleon. Interment will follow at Glenwood Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by the Napoleon Joint Veteran Posts. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 2-8 p.m. at Rodenberger Funeral Home, Napoleon and Friday from 10-11 a.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church. A Fireman's Last Call Service will be held on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Emanuel Lutheran Church Elevator Fund, Napoleon Fire & Rescue, or charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be made at www.rodenbergerfuneralhome.com

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Hershberger W. James

August 6, 2013