Jim Messner

James Arthur (“Jim”) Messner, of Delaware, Ohio, passed away Saturday, May 16, 2026, following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was at home and surrounded by his loved ones.

Jim was born December 11, 1950, in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended The Ohio State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. It was during his time at Ohio State that he met his wife, Robin, at The Library. In 1978, Jim founded Messner Builders, a career born of his refusal to spend every day in an office. He relished working on projects around his house, at the lake, and wherever he could keep himself busy. Most of them remain 95% done. His home, in particular, was a never-ending project he loved modifying.

Jim was a friend to everyone and a stranger to no one. He loved life and his people, and his proudest accomplishment was his children. Generous to a fault and a natural host, Jim made the “Messner Compound” the center of countless gatherings. A devoted Buckeyes fan, watching the game with his friends and family was among his greatest joys, and everyone who knew Jim knew about his love of burnt hot dogs and a frosty pale ale. He loved playing games — Euchre, Pepper, Chickenfoot, or anything with cards — as long as he was playing with the people he loved. Jim was a lifelong learner. He was curious, brave, and confident in his skills. He had the eye of a craftsman artist; he loved whimsy and things that made you smile. He was enthusiastic about other people's aspirations, visions, and ideas. He was goofy, full of life, and the life of the party, but most of all, he was kind.

Jim is survived by his wife, Robin; his children, Megan, Andy (Sara), and Beth; his sisters, Kathy (Jim), Karen (Lance), Jackie (Gib), and Marilyn; his nieces and nephews; his extensive "Framily"; and his best buddy, Jackson (and his sister, Evie). Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Edward Messner and Janet Marie Messner, née Chapman.

A gathering will be held in Jim’s honor on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Schoedinger Dublin, 5980 Perimeter Dr, Dublin, OH 43017. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Humane Society of Delaware County, in honor of Jim's love for animals, especially his beloved dogs: https://hsdcohio.org/donate/.