Clymer, James D.

Orrville — James D. Clymer, age 78, of Orrville, formerly of New Philadelphia, died Monday, March 7, 2022, at Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare in Wooster.

Jim was born on January 26, 1944, in Cambridge, Ohio, to the late C. James and Diana Ruth (Lingle) Clymer, graduated from Strasburg High School in 1962, where he received 14 varsity letters, participating in four sports. He attended Bowling Green University with a baseball scholarship, walked on the basketball team, and was also a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity.  After three years, Jim left Bowling Green to serve in the United States Marine Corps. He earned the rank of Sergeant during the Vietnam War where he was awarded the Purple Heart.  Following his return from Vietnam, he married Kathy Joann Lile on January 17, 1970, in New Philadelphia. Kathy survives.

Jim was the owner and operator of Clymer Insurance Agency in both New Philadelphia and Kidron for a combined 40 years, and continued providing consulting services until his recent illness.

Jim was a former Chairman of the Tuscarawas County Republican Party, the Tuscarawas Board of Elections, the Tuscarawas Chamber of Commerce, and Tuscora Park in New Philadelphia.  He served as a former President of the New Philadelphia Jaycees, a member of the Orrville Zoning Board, and was a six-year President of the Orrville Exchange Club.  Jim was extremely committed and passionate about coaching the pole vault at Orrville High School, Kent State University and the College of Wooster. He took great pleasure in fishing on Lake Erie, chasing Walleye. Most of all he loved his time with family, enjoying summer nights on his back porch, talking and sharing wine with his best friend, Kathy.  They had seven years of great conversations and watching beautiful sunsets together at their home they built in 2014.

In addition to his wife of 52 years, he is survived by his son, Brian (Elizabeth) Clymer and their children, Sarah and James of Mt. Vernon; son, Jamison (Kelly) Clymer and their children, Peyton, Avery and Brady, of Denver, CO; daughter, Kristen (Darik) Clymer Warnke and their children Kameron, Brooke and Mitchell of Aurora; “Rent-A-Son”, Shelton (Christa) Riffle of Medina; brother, Michael (Cathy) Clymer of Uhrichsville; brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Marcia Lile of New Philadelphia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at Auble Funeral Home, 512 E. Oak Street, Orrville, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

A Celebration of Life will be announced for later this spring.

Jim will be put to rest at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville, where military rites will be observed.

Memorials may be made to Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Road, Wooster, OH 44691, www.lifecarehospice.org.

Online registry and expressions of condolence may be made at www.aublefuneralhome.com.