Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
2001 Columbus Ave
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-625-8816
Website: http://www.toftfh.com
View All Obituaries from Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
Donald James, 66, of Sandusky, passed away on Thursday evening, November 8, 2012 at the Cleveland Clinic after a long struggle with cancer. Those who knew Don best remember him as a husband, father, brother, and a friend. His final days were spent with his loving wife of 40 years, Patricia James. Don's warm heart and caring spirit will be missed by all.
He was born on November 6, 1946 in Inez, Kentucky, the second oldest son of the late Melvin and Ethel (Fitch) James. He grew up in Sandusky, sharing a small house on Stacy Road with his three brothers and one sister.
Don attended Perkins High School and married Patricia Byington on December 16, 1967. He was employed at U.S. Tsubaki and was the owner of Jolly Donut for 12 years. He lived in Las Vegas, Nevada for 12 years.
A natural outdoorsman, Don loved fishing, golfing, baseball, hunting, cars, and spending time with his family.
Don is survived by his wife, Patricia; three children, Dawn (Alfred) Papenfuss, of Sandusky; Shannon (Kim) James, of Powell, Ohio, and Chad (Josielyn) James, of Las Vegas, Nevada; seven grandchildren, Meiya, Reanna, and Tracy Baker, and Gracie, Dylan, Katy, and Brooklyn James; three step-grandchildren; four step-great grandchildren; three brothers, Thomas, Darrell, and Carl James, all of Sandusky; one sister, Rose James, of Bellevue; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Loyal Dean, in infancy.
Friends may call on Monday, November 12, 2012 from 4-7 P.M. at Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, where funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 11 A.M. Deacon Garry Sorrell, Sr. will officiate. Burial will follow in Sand Hill Cemetery, Margaretta Township.
Memorial contributions may be made in Don's memory to Firelands Regional Medical Center Home Health Services, 5420 Milan Rd., Sandusky, OH 44870 or to Back to the Wild, P.O. Box 423, Castalia, OH 44824. Condolences may be shared at www.toftfh.com.
