James G Echerd

James G. "Jim" Echerd I, 73, of Harpersfield Twp., Ohio, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Sunday, October 13, 2013. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on the 4th of July in 1940 as the second son of Ellen Marguerite (Murphy) and Clarence "Glenn" Echerd. He moved with his parents and older brother, Samuel Lynn, to the family's farm, Echerd's Folly, in Harpersfield on October 20, 1942 when he was only two. Jim was a curious young man who became a Boy Scout and lived his life in accordance with that oath. He worked hard at everything he did whether managing the SOHIO station, maintaining the old Cork Elementary school, cooking the beef at the HVFD Beef Roast with family or carrying on the family tradition as a grape grower. He was known for always lending a hand and his thoughtful gestures like giving raisins (that the students at Cork rejected) and floral bouquets (perhaps a tad bit used) to the staff at Cork. Jim was an honest, caring, neighborly, and good humored man who loved his family with all his heart. He is survived by his namesake son, James, "Jamie", Echerd and his daughter, Denise (Victor) Weinmann; grandchildren, Erin, Brianne, Kyle, Kaylee, and Evan; his sister-in-law, Ruby (George) Kerruish; his step-father-in- law, Kyle Depoy of Geneva; his step-children, Keith (Christine) Stancliff, Daniel (Becky) Stancliff, Briant (Lisa) Baker, Kevin (Terry) Baker, Debra Reynolds; 13 step-grandchildren; 20 step-great grandchildren; step-brother, Bill (Kathy) Bowler and many nieces and nephews. Jim's first wife, J. Maxine Echerd (Jones) passed on in 2005 and his second wife, Barbara J. Echerd (Bowler) earlier this year. He lost his best friend & brother, Samuel Lynn Echerd in 2011 and his parents, Glenn and Ellen Echerd and step-mother, Vera Echerd (Barski) many years ago. Friends will be received from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at the Behm Family Funeral Home, 175 S. Broadway in Geneva, Ohio. A Memorial Service celebrating Jim's life will be held at 12:00 Noon. Final Resting Place will be at Alexander Harper Memorial Cemetery in Unionville. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Harpersfield Volunteer Fire Department, 5516 Cork Cold Springs Rd., Geneva, OH 44041.