James Winfield Polk

Proceeded in death by his parents, Joan and Winfield Polk, Jim was born on October 13th, 1949, in Dayton, Ohio. He was raised in Upper Arlington and graduated from Upper Arlington High School in 1967. Jim served in the Ohio Air National Guard before and during his time at Franklin University where he graduated Cum Laude in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Jim retired in April 2016 after a successful 30+ year career serving in multiple leadership roles in Account Management.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Teresa, his four children, Josh (Lauren) Polk, Kelley (Trent) Edwards, Travis (Megan) Polk, and Courtney (Brian) Heinmiller and his seven grandchildren, Chase Polk, Gage (Ali) Hisey, Hunter and Graham Polk, and Callie, Knox, and Vivian Heinmiller. Jim is also survived by his four siblings, Steve (Margie) Polk, Robert Polk, Susan Pillifant, and Carole Polk as well as many nieces and nephews, extended family members, and friends that he made to feel like family.

Jim was a simple man, a kind and gentle human. He was an avid Buckeye fan, loved harness racing at Scioto Downs, playing card games, Golden Tee, crossword puzzles and chocolate chip cookies. Music was one of Jim’s passions, especially going to concerts, his first at the age of 15 when he saw his all-time favorite band, The Byrds.

Jim loved many things, and held many titles, but being Poppy was his favorite. On the sidelines at basketball, baseball, softball and soccer games and in the front row at recitals, you could always find Poppy doing what he did best, being his grandkids biggest cheerleader and #1 fan.

To know Jim was to love him. He made a difference in the lives of many, and his memory will live on in the hearts of each person whose life he touched. We invite you to join us and celebrate together on August 12th from 2:00-4:00pm at Schoedinger Northeast, 1051 E Johnstown Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 with a Memorial Service beginning at 4:00pm, celebrated by Fr. Denis Kigozi. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the MoMM Foundation, checks payable to MoMM Foundation or Venmo @MoMMFoundation