James Justin Rofkar

James Justin Rofkar, born 1948 to Justin G. Rofkar and Helen W. Rofkar, was a former long-time resident of Catawba Island, OH, passed away at the age of 76 while residing at Genoa Retirement Village, Genoa, OH.

Throughout his life, James remained strong in faith as a member of Catawba Island Lutheran Church, Port Clinton United Methodist Church, and Water of Life Fellowship in Port Clinton.

He was a 1966 graduate of Port Clinton High School, a member of the wrestling team, played both baritone and trumpet in the marching band, and sang in the choir. James was a beloved younger brother to 3 sisters, father of 2 sons and 2 daughters, grandfather to 6 grandsons (1 stillborn), 6 granddaughters, and 1 soon-to-be great grandson.

In his youth, James enjoyed boating, water skiing, scuba diving, hunting, and building and flying model airplanes. He served as a caddy at the Catawba Island Club golf course and was also a maintenance worker at Catawba Island Marina and Yacht Sales.

After high school, he became a certified Machine Repair Machinist at New Departure-Hyatt Bearings, Sandusky, OH. In 1971, he started Rofkar Insurance Agency in Port Clinton OH. He was an award-winning licensed Property and Casualty and Life and Health insurance agent. Initially, he served as an agent for Nationwide Insurance and later became an Independent Insurance Agent via IIABA representing multiple insurance carriers for his clients. Simultaneously, James was a farmer and owner of Homestead Orchards Farm Market and Bakery on Catawba Island. After closing his insurance agency, James formed Catawba Island Distributing, LLC selling tools, chemicals, and lubricants for Kimball Midwest and Simple Green. People say, "He could’ve sold snow to eskimos!"

James was an active member of the Catawba Island and Port Clinton communities. As a member of the Catawba Island Volunteer Fire Department, he especially enjoyed fellowship with residents during the annual chicken BBQ events. He was also a Catawba Island youth baseball head coach for several winning teams and seasons. He was a 4-H advisor, and a past member of Ohio Farm Bureau and Port Clinton Lions Club. He was also a past vice president of Port Clinton Schools Music Boosters and was instrumental in passing the 1988 levy for the addition of the Port Clinton High School Performing Arts Center.

A risk-taker and an entrepreneur, James instilled a strong work ethic into anyone who worked alongside him. He cherished his free time and valued his family. He always cheered on his children during sporting events and musical productions. He enjoyed sipping single-malt scotch, smoking hand-rolled cigars, and watching Cleveland Indians baseball. He especially loved playing cards, golfing, fishing, and pick-up games of basketball (PIG and HORSE) with family members. His dogs Colonel, Dutchess, Happy, Nina, Molasses, Honeybear, Belle, and Diesel (his favorite) were close pals that he lovingly cared for.

James is preceded in death by his parents, Helen W. Rofkar and Justin G. Rofkar, grandson, Derek S. Rofkar, and best friend, Jimmy Davenport. Surviving are his sisters Lois (Vernon) Deininger, Janet Root, Virginia (William) Deinhammer, ex-wife, Judith Adams, children James D. (Lynda) Rofkar, Paul (Jennifer) Rofkar, Ann Bretzke, and Amanda (Tim) Kranz, and grandchildren Jordan Ohm, Emma (David) Nutter, Ana (Dylan) Witt, Hunter Rofkar, Madeline Rofkar, Hayes Bretzke, Mya Bretzke, Alyssa Kranz, Tyler Kranz, Nova Kranz, and Connor Kranz, and future great-grandchild, Baby Nutter.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 31, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home, 2166 Washington St., Port Clinton, OH; followed by a service at 1:00 PM; then interment at Catawba Island Cemetery, Catawba Island, OH.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Water of Life Fellowship, 4470 W. Oak Harbor E. Rd., Port Clinton, OH 43452.