James Gatchell

CAREY — James Michael “Jim” Gatchell, age 79, of Carey, went to be with the Lord on Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, at home surrounded by his loving family following an extended illness.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Basilica of Our Lady of Consolation, 315 Clay St., Carey, with the Rev. Xavier Goulet, OFM Conv., officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the Carey Honor Guard will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Carey.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dorcas Carey Public Library or to Bridge Home Health and Hospice, and they may be sent to Stombaugh-Batton Funeral Home.

Stombaugh-Batton Funeral Home in Carey is honored to serve Jim’s family and condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.StombaughBatton.com

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On Oct. 30, 1942, Jim was born in Marion, the eldest of five children of the late James Avery and Gladys Evelyn (Phillipi) Gatchell. He was born while his father was serving in World War II, so his mother moved their family to Carey when he was an infant to be nearer to her family. He graduated from Carey High School in the class of 1961. 

Shortly following graduation, Jim enlisted to serve in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from January of 1964 to December of 1966. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, helping provide aid to those injured in the war.

Under his honorable discharge, Jim returned home to Carey, where a grocery store clerk caught his eye, Linda Kelley. He was a young man with a quiet determination, going to the grocery store every day for at least a pack of gum, until he was able to get her to go on that first date to the movies. From there, the rest is history. Jim and Linda were married May 4, 1968, at Our Lady of Consolation Church in Carey. They shared 53 years of marriage, lovingly raising two children: James Thomas and Jennifer Ann.

Working first at Sheck’s Grocery in high school and after serving in the army, he became the produce manager for Great Scot Supermarkets, where he worked for 28 years. Next, he worked on injection molds at Molten of Findlay for 12 years, until he retired in 2009.

Jim was a faithful member of Our Lady of Consolation Church, where he served as an usher.

An outdoorsman, Jim had a lifelong appreciation for nature. He enjoyed hunting, and would try and share the art of tracking animals with his children and grandchildren. He would plant a large vegetable garden every year to enjoy. He also loved to go fishing, casting a line in all of the local spots, another passion he loved to share with his grandchildren.

Simply put, Jim was a good man. He took pride in being a great husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa, and they all appreciated his strong will and determination.

He will be missed by his beloved wife, Linda Gatchell, of Carey; two children, James Thomas Gatchell, of Findlay; and Jennifer Ann Carter, of Carey; six grandchildren, twins James L. and Kelly Gatchell; and Brandon, Aydian, Caitlyn and Victoria Carter; four great-granddaughters, Emma and Molly Cox; and Avery and Rylee Gatchell; two brothers, Raymond Gatchell, of Upper Sandusky; and Kenneth (Kathy) Gatchell, of Carey; a sister, Cindy Gatchell of Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Including his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his oldest grandson, James “Jimmy” Gatchell; a great-granddaughter, Alainna Lennaye Cox; and a brother, David Gatchell.

On behalf of his family, they would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to Bridge Hospice, Lori, Sherry and his caregiver, Stefani. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

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