James A. Poure

A devoted husband, father, entrepreneur and community leader, Jim lived a life defined by service, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved. First and foremost, Jim was dedicated to his family. He had a unique ability to share his love, guidance, and wisdom in ways that strengthened and uplifted everyone around him.

Jim proudly served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve from 1957 to 1963, beginning a lifetime of service that extended deeply into his professional, civic, and philanthropic endeavors. Known as a quintessential problem solver and a brilliant mentor, he inspired countless colleagues and young entrepreneurs with his steady leadership and forward-thinking approach. His rare gift for nurturing talent helped shape many business and community leaders throughout the region. Jim parlayed his time in the army into a successful career in chemical manufacturing, serving as Vice President for Inland Chemical Corporation and Coulton Chemical Corporation before founding the GAC Chemical Corporation with facilities in Searsport, Maine; Saukville, Wisconsin; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Toledo, Ohio. Jim served as President, CEO and Chairman from 1978 to 2017.

Jim’s impact on Northwest Ohio was profound. His community leadership included serving as Chairman of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, the Toledo Regional Growth Partnership, the University of Toledo Foundation Board, the Toledo Area Chamber of Commerce, and President of the Sylvania Country Club. His dedication to philanthropy and civic service touched numerous organizations, from Mom’s House and the Alliance for Paired Donation to Junior Achievement of Northwest Ohio and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. His influence extended nationally through roles with the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland’s Small Business Advisory Board, the National Association of Manufacturers, and many other professional associations.

The University of Toledo held a special place in his heart. Jim was deeply committed to its mission and progress, serving as Chairman of the UT Foundation and later as an Emeritus Trustee. He was also a founding member of the University of Toledo Neff College of Business and Innovation - Family Business Center, a reflection of his passion for developing future generations of business leaders.

Jim’s lifetime of achievements earned him numerous honors, including an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Toledo, the University of Toledo Center for Family Business “Award of Excellence,” multiple Entrepreneur of the Year awards, and recognition by INC. Magazine as one of America's fastest-growing private companies.

Outside of his professional and community work, Jim had two great passions: cars and football. A devoted Notre Dame supporter and season ticket holder for 52 years, he rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on the Fighting Irish. He was also an avid car collector, always searching for the next great find and cherishing the friendships and adventures that passion brought into his life.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Tartaglia-Poure; children, Tim Poure (Julie), Kristen Junga (Joel), Angie Ciotti (Dave), and Amy Roberts (Will); step children, Tony Barber (Kelly), Anthony Tartaglia (Amanda), Louie Tartaglia (Molly), Dominick Tartaglia, Dean Tartaglia (Sara); grandchildren, Andrew Poure, Paige Miesle (John), Adam Junga (Meghan) ,Liza Rogers (Joe), Kylie Cisco (Ricky), Kyle Searer, Erica Fox (Cliff), Jameson Searer, Kendal Besecker (Jansen), Jordan Hrabak (TJ), MacKenzie Rine (Shawn), Taylor Conway; step grandchildren, Scotland Tartaglia, Alex Tartaglia, Milo Tartaglia, Raphael Tartaglia, Noah Tartaglia; 20 great grandchildren; and extended family and friends who will long remember his immense heart, steady wisdom, and the legacy he built through a lifetime of giving, teaching, and leading.

Visitation will be held Monday, November 3, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 West Sylvania Avenue, with a Masonic Service at 7 pm. Funeral Services will take place Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Epworth United Methodist Church, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m., immediately followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Toledo Memorial Park with military honors.

Jim’s enduring commitment to family, community, and mentorship leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to impact others for generations.

Memorial donations may be directed to the University of Toledo James A. Poure Scholarship for Athletics and Center for Family Business, Mom’s House, and Hospice of Northwest Ohio.