James Dyer

Wanting to spend Christmas 2019 in heaven, James ‘Jim’ Dyer met his goal on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 when he passed away peacefully at his earthly home in Galion.

Jim was born in Shadyside, Ohio on July 1, 1928 to the late Harrison Dyer and Maude “Rosie” (Jeralds) Dyer-Cain. He married Frances E. (Plunkett) Dyer on July 27, 1954 and she preceded him in death on March 18, 2017.

He is survived by his children, Philip (Shirley) Dyer of Warren, Sharon (Timothy) Grimes of Bucyrus; grandson, Michael (Brooke) Dyer; one great-grandchild on the way; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife Frances, he is preceded in death by his siblings, Harrison Dyer Jr., Elizabeth Dyer Holloway, Charles Dyer, Pearl Latos, Richard Dyer, and John Dyer.

Jim was known by all as being extremely sweet, with an easy-going personality. Having a tremendous sense of humor, Jim was also very witty and silly, resulting in daily laughter. Jim was very forgiving and tolerant of others. He was truly a joy to be around. The grace of Jesus ruled in his life, and he was quick to overlook an offence.

Even in the midst of difficult circumstances he was always positive and upbeat. But in the past year frequently expressed a desire to go on to heaven and in reference to the above, last Christmas 2018 he said it would be his last.

He had the hope of a better heavenly home, to be in the presence of Jesus and his wife Frances and would desire others to have this hope to look forward to, by allowing the Lord in their hearts and inviting Him into their lives.

Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII and also served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a medic. He then began undergraduate studies at Baldwin-Wallace College, Berea, Ohio obtaining his bachelor’s degree, then obtained his Master’s of Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University, Atlanta, GA. Before beginning his career in ministry, he worked for Firestone Rubber and Tire company, and also worked with his brother, Richard in the plumbing business. He then began his ministry with the United Methodist Church and treasured being a pastor. Visiting members of his congregation was always a priority for Jim. He loved to go out and be with his members. A strong aspect of his ministry was visiting church members who were shut ins.

The family would like to thank the staff of Ohio Health Hospice, loving members of the Evangelical Faith Fellowship Church, the staff of Freedom Caregivers (Katlin Anderson, Wanda Hoskins, Angie Ruth, and many more of the organization), in addition to Wanda Alonso and Tabby Linn for their wonderful care in Jim’s last days of life.

Family will receive friends Saturday, December 21, 2019 from 12:00-1:00 PM at the Schneider Gompf Funeral Home, 303 Portland Way North in Galion. Jim’s funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM with his son-in-law, Pastor Timothy Grimes officiating. Burial with full military honors by the U.S. Army and the Galion Crestline Veterans Military Funeral Detail will follow in Fairview Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to OhioHealth Hospice Mansfield-Lexington Chapter, Crawford County Council for Aging Meals on Wheels, or Freedom Caregivers.

Those wishing to share a memory of Jim or send condolences to the Dyer family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.

The Schneider-Gompf Funeral home, 303 Portland Way North, Galion, is honored to serve the family of James Dyer.

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