Paul Jacob Bishop

Paul Jacob Bishop passed away on December 9, 2024, at the age of 60, surrounded by his family. A man of steadfast integrity, relentless drive, and a heart as big as his dreams, Paul’s life was one of profound impact and deep love. He lived not for recognition but for fulfilling his purpose to lead, mentor, serve, and cherish those he loved.

Born on June 7, 1964, in Tiffin, Ohio, Paul’s journey was marked by an early understanding of hard work and responsibility. The son of a tight-knit, small-town community, he carried those values with him as he built a life defined by purpose and perseverance. Those who knew him best saw a man who lived his beliefs every day, whether as a family man, a business leader, or a friend. His unyielding moral compass, advice, and quiet strengths were his hallmarks.

Paul graduated from Hopewell-Loudon High School in 1982 and continued his academic path at the University of Cincinnati, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Never one to settle for “good enough,” he continued his education at the University of Michigan, earning an MBA. Education for Paul was never about collecting degrees. It was about growth, evolution, and being the best version of himself. Paul instilled the importance of education in his boys.

His professional journey was one of immense achievements and a lasting legacy. For 16 years, Paul served at Dana Corporation, where he became President of the Global Torque Group and a member of Dana’s World Operating Committee. Prior to that position, he negotiated more than $3B in structured finance transactions with his loyal Dana Credit team. In 2005, he took on the President and Chief Operating Officer role at Ice Industries. He was instrumental in setting strategy, optimizing operations, and leading acquisition activities, always with a keen eye on the horizon for new opportunities. Paul’s approach to leadership was rooted in authenticity, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Those who were fortunate enough to work with him knew he expected the best because he gave them his best.

Paul’s dedication to service extended far beyond his professional career. He was a leader, and mentor, continually seeking ways to support his community. A member of the Maumee Valley Chapter of the World President’s Organization since 2000, Paul also lent his expertise as a founding Trustee of the Ottawa Hills Schools Foundation, a member of the Bowling Green State University President’s Club, a member of the Board of Trustees for the St. Francis de Sales Foundation and a Zoning Commissioner for the Village of Ottawa Hills, Ohio. His commitment to others was exemplified as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Bon Secours Mercy Health Northern Region. Through every role, he approached his work with intention, diligence, and belief in the power of thoughtful leadership.

Paul’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, a dedicated father, and a constant source of strength and wisdom. His love for his family was boundless, and he lived with them every day at the center of his world. Paul’s love wasn’t flashy or loud (okay maybe sometimes). He showed his love and devotion in the way he showed up, the way he listened, and the way he supported every dream his children hadn’t thought of yet. He taught them that greatness lies not in grand gestures but in the quiet constancy of doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.

Paul’s legacy will live on in those he leaves behind. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Letitia Marth; his children, Bennett Grayson Bishop, Connor MacGregor Bishop, and Nikolas Sergey Bishop; his father, Jacob C Bishop; and his brothers, Mark Bishop and David L Bishop. His children carry his spirit of determination and kindness into the world and embody the lessons he taught them, to lead with integrity, to value people over profit, and to enjoy the time they have with the people they value.

He will also be remembered by his extended family, close friends, and countless colleagues who collaborated with him. To them, Paul was more than a boss or a coworker. He was a mentor, a confidant, and a man whose steady presence made others feel seen, valued, and capable of more than they knew.

Paul’s passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his influence will continue to echo through the lives he touched. His story is of recent grit and grace, of quiet heroism and enduring love. To honor him, we remember the man who embodied the values of honesty, loyalty, and compassion day in and day out. His memory calls us to do the same.

As many of you read this, I am certain you remember a conversation with Paul where you received a “Paulism.” He was a man of very sharp wit, quiet wisdom, and unwavering expectations. Paul often shared his guidance through simple, memorable lessons for his sons, each grounded in practicality and principle. “Your wheels or stereo should never be worth more than your car,” he’d say, a reminder of priorities and perspective. “Your car should never be worth more than your house,” he’d add, reinforcing the value of long-term thinking. His philosophy on life’s progression was clear: “Get the order right and everything in life will be easier! School, then job, then wife, then family.” But perhaps his most telling piece of advice was, “I know I only asked you to do A & B, but I also expected you to do C.” It reflected his belief in effort beyond the minimum, an unspoken challenge to rise above what was expected. Something he always did for all of us without us ever asking for it. Paul’s wisdom was laced with compassion and high expectations — a delicate balance that inspired those who knew him to aim higher while feeling deeply supported.

A visitation for Paul will be held on Sunday, December 15, from 2:00pm to 7:00pm at the Walker Funeral Home, located at 5155 W. Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, Ohio. Funeral Mass will be held at the Gesu Catholic Church, 2049 Parkside Blvd, at 12:00 p.m. on December 16, 2024, with interment following at the Calvary Cemetery. The family will host a reception luncheon immediately following the interment at the Inverness Club, 4601 Dorr Street, Toledo, Ohio.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Paul J. Bishop Family Donor Advised Fund (a fund that supports the many charities Paul valued most that will live on in his name and legacy) at the Greater Toledo Community Foundation, 300 Madison Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43604.

The family would also like to thank the Mercy Health Hospital family for their incredible care of Paul over the last three years.

Paul Jacob Bishop’s story does not end here. It continues in the lessons he taught, the lives he shaped, and the love that will endure in the hearts of all who knew him. His was a life well-lived, well-loved, and a life that will be remembered always.