Jim Snyder

Surrounded by his loving family, Jim Snyder, age 76, passed away peacefully at home, on January 10, 2025. He had been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and died 8 weeks later.

Born on August 6, 1948 in Lima, Ohio to Ruth and Arthur Snyder. He graduated from Lima Shawnee High School in 1966. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Bowling Green State University where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He received an MBA from Bowling Green State University, as well as a degree from Harvard Business School Owner/President Management Program.

In 1972, Jim was drafted into the army. Graduating top of his class out of 1600 cadets, allowed him to stay stateside. He was assigned to Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas where he served as a medic treating burn victims returning from Vietnam.

He was hired by IBM Corporation, in its Toledo branch, handling Owens Illinois and Owens Corning, nationally. This is also where he met his wife, Diane. After a brief stint managing the Chattanooga, TN office, he came into his wife’s family’s business supplying newsprint to daily newspapers throughout the Midwest. He quickly saw a need to diversify into freight to deliver the newsprint, in addition to their water and rail access, and formed OMI Transportation. The businesses were sold in 2019 when Jim retired.

Jim could be found on the golf course, freshwater fishing, or at Barnes and Noble, satisfying his love of reading. His family and children were the center of his world. He was a wonderfully steady and present father and his children adored him. Nothing made him happier than exposing his children to a love of travel, instilling a strong work ethic, and passing along the values he felt were necessary to live a full and rich life. Jim had no pretense about him whatsoever…and had a terrific wry sense of humor. He will miss all his great friends, and as they would always say, “we’ve had more fun in this lifetime than should be allowed”.

He was a 45 year member of Inverness Club where he served as Past President. Also a member of the Apollo Society and the Presidents’ Council of The Toledo Museum of Art. And former member of Catawba Island Club and The Toledo Club.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Diane, daughter Lauren (Jason) Urban and son Michael (Dana) and 3 grandchildren, Fite and James Snyder and Teddy Urban.

The family will have a remembrance sometime in the Spring. Anyone wishing to make a contribution in Jim’s name, please consider First Tee-Lake Erie, benefitting young people in our community. Arrangements are being handled by Walker Funeral Home.