James "Jim" Rust Sr.

He graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1949. On August 17, 1962, Jim was involved in a devastating accident at work where he was electrocuted and lost his arm and leg. He used this life altering experience in the most positive ways. His unflappable will to succeed in life was demonstrated in June 1963, when he returned to work in the meter department, retiring after more than 45 years of service. Jim was a HUGE Buckeyes and Madison Rams football fan.

In 1963, he became a Christian and attended several area churches over the years. The unconditional love God gave to him was returned by Jim to his family, friends and community in a myriad of ways. Jim was an inspiration to many, remaining physically active swimming regularly at the Mansfield YMCA and riding motorcycles. He lived life to the fullest with no regrets. Just watching live with happiness and courage was amazing to the people who knew him. Jim loved everyone he met and never became angry at any situation. He knew he was truly blessed to have a wonderful family and many friends and never took one moment for granted.

He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Joann Rust; three children, Yvonne (Pete) Montgomery, Regina (Mike) Clark and Jim Rust Jr.; grandchildren, Michael "Frog" Ridenour Jr., Shelley (Shawn) Hunt, Jammie (Holly) Montgomery, Carlena Evans, Heather Weirick, Melissa Greenwalt, Tonya Shade, Nicole Hoover, Amanda Myers, Sarah Shade, Wyvne, Chris, Shawna and Amy Jo; numerous great and great-great grandchildren; and the mother of his children, Mildred Grubbs.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Lee Rust and Ilo Jean Laycox Keith; daughter, Debbie Shade; son, Rick Lepley; and three great-grandsons, Dillon Shade, Curtis Kopp and Trevan Weirick.

The family will receive friends from 2:00-5:00 p.m. Sunday, June 3, 2018, at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Mansfield. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Monday at 9:00 a.m. with Pastor Darrin Thurbur and Rev. Bruce Copley officiating. He will be laid to rest in Oak Grove Memorial Park immediately following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mansfield YMCA.