James Edward Poe

He was born on December 7, 1933, in Russell, Ky. He married the love of his life, Barbara (Bobbe) Ann Leadingham, on August 31, 1957, and they celebrated 65 years of marriage together. Jim and Bobbe have four children, twelve grandchildren and are expecting their first great grandchild.

Although he came from humble beginnings, Jim was a hard worker and strong believer in education. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1952-1956 as a Hospital Corpsman Second Class and then went on to Marshall University on the G.I. Bill. He graduated in 1961 with an engineering sciences degree and started his career working for Ashland Oil. He joined Shelly & Sands in Zanesville, Ohio, in 1968 as a civil engineer and manager of construction. He retired from the company as executive vice president and partner in 1995.

A man of deep faith, Jim had a kind word and smile for everyone he met. One of the original foodies, he liked nothing more than serving you a second helping. He was an active volunteer with organizations such as the Ohio Food Bank and served in his church as a Board member and Bible teacher. As a result of his extensive volunteerism, he was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel in 1993. Jim was the happiest spending time with his family and grandchildren whether fishing, riding his tractor, or playing cards. He was most proud of his children and grandchildren and ready to talk about them to anyone who would listen. He will be greatly missed.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Elizabeth (Darby) Poe, siblings Mary Poe and John Poe, as well as two grandsons Jason Michael Poe and Joseph Eugene Rutkowski.

Jim is survived by his wife, Bobbe, and children: Jamie Hamon (Doug) of Columbus, Ohio; C. Michael Poe of Gahanna, Ohio; Lora Rutkowski (Michael) of Pittsburgh, Pa.; David Poe (Jacquie) of Dublin, Ohio; as well as grandchildren: Stephanie Austin, Matthew Austin (Kelton Swartz), Robert Poe, John Rutkowski (Natalie), Nicholas Rutkowski (Haley), Mark Rutkowski, Abigail Rutkowski, Brittany Poe, Emma Poe and Joshua Poe.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. at the Schoedinger Dublin, 5980 Perimeter Drive, Dublin, Ohio. Funeral services will be on Friday, April 7, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Scioto Ridge United Methodist Church, 4343 Dublin Road, Hilliard, Ohio. Burial with military honors will be at Union Cemetery, Columbus, Ohio, following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Scioto Ridge United Methodist Church Education Fund, Ohio State Ross Heart Hospital or Ohio’s Hospice.