James "Jim" H. Eldridge

James "Jim" H. Eldridge, Jr., 76, of Mansfield, died Saturday, April 30, 2016 at his residence. Born January 8, 1940 in West Salem, Ohio, he was the son of James Howard Eldridge, Sr. and Ethel Arlene (Mann) Eldridge.

A veteran of the United States Army National Guard, he had worked for Taylor Metal, Ohio Brass and Bosch Braking Systems where he held various positions including Foreman and Maintenance Supervisor retiring in 2000. He had also worked for the Richland County Sheriffs Department as a Mounted Deputy from 1969 to 1981. Jim was a member of the American Legion Post #16, Madison-Mifflin AARP #4637, Mansfield Muzzle Loading Rifle Club, the Ashland County Wildlife Conservation League and the Mohican Bow Hunters Club. He was also a past president of the Madison Band Boosters, a post leader for the Boy Scouts and had coached Madison Little League.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing and an avid woodworker and furniture maker. There was never a dull moment in Jim's life as he was always active with things to do for his family and community including volunteer work at numerous organizations.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Pat (Fairchild) Eldridge whom he married June 27, 1959; four children, Anthony (Candace) Eldridge of Mansfield, Robin (Rev. Robert) Stanforth of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Carolyn Eldridge and James R. (Sally) Eldridge all of Westerville, Ohio; eleven grandchildren, Garth, Chad, Toni, Brittany (Shawn), Bethany, Gabrielle (Stephen), Danielle (Jake), Jesika, Rebeka (Parris), Derek and Matthew; 13 great grandchildren; two brothers, Mike Eldridge and Tom (Susan) Eldridge; two sisters, Betty Lee and Cynthia Palmer; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Keelee and two brothers, David and Richard Eldridge.

Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond Street, Mansfield. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, May 5, 2016 at the funeral home conducted by his son-in-law, Rev. Robert Stanforth. Burial will follow in Franklin Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ashland County Wildlife Conservation League, 1930 County Road 1035, Ashland, Ohio 44805 or Richland Rural Life Center, 969 Crall Road E., Mansfield, Ohio 44903.