James D. "Jim" Will, age 90, of Fredericksburg, Ohio passed away peacefully on Monday, July 3, 2023 at Danbury of Millersburg following a brief illness.

 

Jim was born October 10, 1932 in Berwyn, Illinois and was the son of Earl T. and Clara Will. On August 18, 1956 he married Jean Young and she survives.

 

Jim received his bachelor's degree from the University of Denver and his masters degree from Northern Illinois University. He retired from teaching at Morton West High School where he was the boys and girls swimming and diving coach. He coached several high school All American divers. Jim was a Driver's Ed Teacher, taught health and physical education. He was on the high school All American Selection committee and was inducted into the Illinois swimming and diving coaches Hall of Fame in 1986. Jim served in the US Army and was stationed in Puerto Rico. He was a member of the North Coast Hosta Society and the Ohio Daylily Society. Jim enjoyed woodworking. He carved duck decoys, wooden toys, trains and half hauls of boats. His favorite pastime was gardening. Jim's family requests that you plant a hosta, daylily or tree in his honor. 

 

Surviving in addition to his wife Jean of 66 years are three children: Wendy Miller of Bremen, Ohio, Jimmy (Leah) Will of Fredericksburg, Ohio and David A. Will of Columbus, Ohio; five grandchildren: Andrew Miller, Alex Miller, Malori Snyder, Lauren Sheridan and Sarah J. Will; seven great grandchildren; a sister, Suzanne Wokas of California; and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings: Vivian, Elmer, Ruthie, and Bob.

 

The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to everyone at LifeCare Hospice and Danbury for their compassionate care, kindness and support.

 

A Celebration of Life gathering of family and friends will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 15th at the residence. Arrangements and a caring cremation are being handled by Alexander Funeral Home. Those wishing to share a memory or make online condolences may do so by visiting www.alexanderfhinc.com.

 

Memorial contributions can be sent to Ohio's Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Rd. Wooster, Ohio 44691.