James Burkheimer

James S. “Jim” Burkheimer, 47, of Van Wert, was peacefully called home to be with Jesus on Sunday, August 14, 2016, while at Ohio State University’s Ross Heart Hospital in Columbus, surrounded by his family.

Jim was born November 20, 1968, in Van Wert, to Cloyd M. “Stoney” Burkheimer Jr., who preceded him in death, and Patricia (McCune) Burkheimer, who survives.

He was a 1987 graduate of Van Wert High School and he fondly recounted memories of football and wrestling. On November 12, 1994, he married Ava Kay (Alt) Burkheimer of Celina, who also survives.

Other survivors include two brothers, Joshua and Christopher; his grandfather, Don Steinebrugge; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A brother, Brent, and his maternal grandmother, Miriam Steinebrugge, also preceded him in death.

Jim was a fun-loving, kind man who loved spending time with family and friends, and he was so blessed to be called a “brother” and “uncle” to various members of the Smith/McIntosh families. Jim loved Michigan football, the Philadelphia Eagles, and NASCAR racing. He also very much enjoyed selling tickets for a variety of Van Wert High School athletic events. He was a member of Trinity Friends Church in Van Wert and he deeply loved the Lord.

Jim made a difference in, and influenced, many lives in his work at Huffy Bicycle, the Western Ohio Regional Treatment and Habilitation (WORTH) Center in Lima, and with the Amish community.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 19, at Trinity Friends Church. A graveside burial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Kossuth Cemetery.

Visitation is from 2-8 p.m. Thursday, August 18, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert, and an hour prior to services on Friday at the church.