James D. Rill

James Jim D. Rill of Waterville, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, August 28, 2012, in the ICU of Flower Hospital, surrounded by many loving family members. Jim had been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a work-related asbestos cancer, in December of 2011. He courageously fought the battle against this disease daily for the last eight months. Jim was born January 1, 1940, in Toledo, Ohio, to Arthur and Mabel Roloff Rill. He was a graduate of Libbey High School and was employed in the skilled trades at Libbey Glass on Ash Street for 43 years, retiring in 2003. Jim served in the Ohio National Guard. He was a former member of St. Petri Lutheran Church and was currently attending Zion Lutheran Church in Waterville, Ohio. He was a member of the Libbey Glass Golden Emblem Club, a retirement breakfast group, and the Fort Industry Masonic Lodge. Jim was passionate about many sports, both as a participant and as an observer. He played softball for several teams well into his 30s. He was a 200-average bowler throughout much of his life, most recently bowling in the Anthony Wayne Merchants League and the Monday Southwyck Seniors. In retirement, he played golf several times per week. Deer hunting in the U.P. of Michigan, beginning in 1960, gave him some of his favorite memories. As a sports observer, Jim planned his activities around the games of the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Detroit Tigers and Lions. Time spent at his cottage near Hillsdale, Michigan brought him great pleasure throughout the summer months. He especially enjoyed his annual 4th of July family reunion that always ended with his fireworks display. Jim enjoyed traveling, especially on the rural back roads, and had traveled in all 50 states. In the late 90s, he even participated in Modern Western Square Dancing. Jim enjoyed working long hours around his home, his cottage, and eventually his condo. He prided himself on keeping everything in perfect condition. He especially enjoyed working and helping others, and would become offended if they tried to compensate him for his efforts. Jim was a devoted husband, and dearly loved his family and many friends. He would have celebrated his 49th anniversary on August 31st. He is survived by his wife, Joan Ross; his mother-in-law, Eva Ross; three siblings, Kenneth Rill of California, Donna Cliff Hubbell of California, and Judith Alan Schmude of Swanton; a nephew who grew up with him as a brother, Bob Beach, Jr. Sharon; his sister-in-law, Susan Rill of Whitehouse, Ohio; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Rodney and Pati Filcek of Sylvania, Ohio and Dan and Cindy Shannon of Green Bay, WI. He was also survived by many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great niece and nephews, along with numerous, wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Helen Bob Beach; brothers, Norman Jean, Melvin Rose, Arthur Sally, and Robert Sue. Family and friends may visit Tuesday, September 4, from 2-9 pm, in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 West Sylvania Avenue 419-841-2422. Visitation will continue Wednesday morning, September 5, from 10-11 am, at Zion Lutheran Church, 22 North Second Street, Waterville, Ohio. The funeral service will follow at 11 am. Interment will take place at Toledo Memorial Park immediately following the funeral service. Memorial donations may be made to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, 1317 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, to the Zion Lutheran Church, 22 North Second Street, Waterville, Ohio 43566, or to a charity of the donors choice.