James Oswalt

James “Jim” Albert Oswalt, 87, of Mansfield, died Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at his home. Born June 5, 1925 in Richland County, he was the son of Chester Cliff and Blanche (McClain) Oswalt. Jim was a 1943 graduate of Union School and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy from 1943-1946 where he was stationed in Minneapolis and Miami as an aviation machinist mate. He was a former member of the former Franklin Church for more than 70 years and was currently a member of Olivesburg United Methodist Church. Jim worked at Mansfield Tire for 33 years and as a custodian for Crestview Schools where he retired from after 10 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed traveling, jigsaw puzzles, and working outdoors including yard work and mowing. Most of all he loved his family and would do anything for his kids and grandkids.

He is survived by his wife, Jenevieve (Baker) Oswalt, whom he married August 24, 1947 at First Christian Church; sons, Gary and Connie (Haney) Oswalt of Mansfield, Stephen and Laurie (Sherrick) Oswalt of Rocky Mount, NC, and Christopher and Sue (McCauley) Oswalt of Pataskala; grandchildren, Mindy (Oswalt) and Steve Leach of Mansfield; Holly (Oswalt) and Rob Boone of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Justin Oswalt of Plymouth, MN and Kirsten Oswalt of Pataskala; sister, Mary Louise Cox of Mansfield; brother, Richard and Erma Oswalt of Mansfield; sisters-in-law, Maxine Oswalt of Mansfield and Shirley Boyce of Shelby; nieces and nephews, Virginia and Bob Trisler of Bellville, John Cox of Shiloh, and Ed and Sharon Cox of Mansfield; many other nieces, nephews, family and friends; and close family friends, Rev. Francis and Eileen Norris. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his two brothers-in-law, James Cox and Lee Oswalt.

Friends may call Friday, July 27, 2012 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Diamond St. Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Mansfield. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 28, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home, conducted by Rev. Adam Davis. Burial will follow in Franklin Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1050 Dauch Dr., Ashland, OH 44805.