James Lee "Jim" Stout

Jim was born in Savannah, Missouri, to Meryl and Maxine Stout. He spent most of his formative years in St. Joseph, Missouri, where he attended Benton High School and played on the football and basketball teams. At the age of 17, Jim met the love of his life, Marie (Moore), at a Huffman Memorial United Methodist Church ice cream social. From that day forward, Jim and Marie were inseparable, sharing 72 years of partnership and more than 69 years of marriage.

Jim’s career in sales and management often required the family to move, resulting in thirteen relocations during the first fifteen years of marriage. Eventually, the Stouts settled in Upper Arlington, Ohio, where Jim became Head of Sales for M. Aron Corporation, a men’s apparel company retiring in 1989. Prior to leaving M. Aron, Jim (and Marie) purchased and served as CEO of American Electric Motors until his ultimate retirement at the age of 80.

A devoted man of faith, Jim was an active member and usher at Trinity United Methodist Church for more than 50 years. His faith guided his life and was central to his family’s daily routines. Jim was also deeply involved in the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, and DeMolay organizations. An avid fan and supporter of The Ohio State University, Jim was a loyal football and basketball season ticket holder since 1980.

Jim will be remembered as a hardworking, generous, faithful, and kind gentleman who loved his family deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents, Meryl K. Stout (1974) and Maxine J. (Essman) Stout (1978), as well as his brother, Jack E. Stout (2013).

He is survived by his beloved wife, Alice "Marie" Stout; his children: Debbie (Bryan) Wodaski, James "Bill" (Cindy) Stout, Sharon (Sam) Weaver, and Pam (Michael) Hillman; his eight grandchildren: Allison (Ryan) Natale, Kim (Julie) Wodaski, Alex (Ashley) Wodaski, Erika (Randy) Kukral, Cayla (Ron) Parkman, Shannon (Marcus) Mallett, Nick Weaver, and Caitlin Weaver (Justin) Wildemann; and six great-grandchildren: Henley Richards, Michael Mallett, Emmie Mallett, Connor Natale, Teddy Natale, and soon-to-arrive Ella Wodaski.

Family will receive friends at a reception from 3-5 P.M. Friday, February 7, 2025 at Schoedinger Northwest, 1740 Zollinger Rd, Columbus, OH 43221. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Kobacker House, the hospice facility where Jim received excellent care in his final days. The family is forever grateful for all those who tended to his needs while there.

Jim’s legacy of love, faith, and devotion will continue to inspire all who knew him.