James Henry Gerspacher

James H. Gerspacher age 89, passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at his home in Riverside, Ohio. He is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Shirley Ann Simpkins whom he loved dearly. He is survived by his three daughters and son-in-law; Angela and Michael Tims of Oswego, IL, MaRita Messer of Dayton, OH, Annalisa Ghanayem of Waynesville, OH; seven grandchildren; James (Jimmy) Messer, Steven Messer, Marjorie Dolle, Annie Williams, Ryan Tims, Lauren Tims, Jade Ghanayem, five great grandchildren; Felicity, Benjamin (Benny), Charlotte, Beckett and Lucy.

James was a loving and hardworking husband, father, and grandfather who was dedicated to his family and parish. He attended every event for his kids and worked tirelessly to give them all the opportunities he thought they deserved. He was a talented woodworker and built many grandfather clocks for friends and family. Over the years, James had many dogs he considered part of the family, especially his poodle Lisa who was always at his side.

He was raised on his father’s dairy farm known as Minnowbrook in Beavercreek, OH; after serving four years in the Navy (where he was known as Gus) he worked at NCR, Main Auto Parts, Zenith Pattern, Beavercreek Industrial Research and Development, and worked until the age of 87 as a Caretaker for the estate of Robert H. Brethen. James was a Certified Master Gardener, as well as an active long time member of St. Helen Catholic Church, Dayton Carvers Guild, Orchid Society, Lincoln Society of Dayton. James has always been very active in his community and assisted with the start of St. Luke Parish and Cardinal Hill Recreation Club.

A Social Distancing Walk Through Visitation with Face Masks Required will be held Tuesday, December 22, 2020 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Tobias Funeral Home, 3970 Dayton Xenia Road, Beavercreek, Ohio 45432. A Funeral Mass with Social Distancing and Face Masks Required will be held Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at 11:00 AM at St. Helen Catholic Parish, Dayton, Ohio 45431. Burial following the Funeral Mass with Face Masks and Social Distancing required will be held at Mt. Zion Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in his memory.