James A. Hellinger passed away Thursday, December 11, 2025, at The Waterford in Mansfield. He was born May 23, 1949, in Galion, Ohio, and graduated from Ontario High School in 1967. He was a proud resident of the city of Ontario for nearly all his life.
The first born child of Chester and Alice (Beck) Hellinger took an interest in his father’s hobby of flying airplanes. Jim began flight training at an early age at the Galion Airport becoming a captain at the age of 23 flying for Allegheny Commuter Airline.
Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1968. He advanced his career as the chief pilot for more than 25 years at Gorman Rupp Pump Company, flying a prop jet and traveling to every state except Hawaii. In 2002, he began his next career after being elected to City Council for the City of Ontario, then was appointed as Service Safety Director, and finally, elected City Council President.
In his free time, Jim enjoyed yard work, snow skiing, Ohio State sports, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indians/Guardians.
For the past several years, his health struggles did not allow him to continue practicing his love for the game of golf or visiting Pinehurst, North Carolina, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, his favorite golf destinations. Through the years, Jim has been a member of the Ontario Lions Club, Ontario VFW, Mansfield Amvets, Baku Grotto where he was Past Monarch, Masons where he was a 32nd degree Mason, and Kentucky Colonels.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann (Meyer) Hellinger; children, Nicole (Andrew and Abel Norris) Herring, Scott (Kristen) Hellinger; grandchildren, Sierra (Blake) Hulett, Christopher, Braedon, Dylan and Emma Hellinger; great-grandchildren, Rowen and Bellamy Hulett; sister, Cynthia Phelps; brother, Evan (Susan) Hellinger; nieces and nephews; and many friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Trisen Crabtree; brother, Mark; and aunts and uncles. His life would not be complete without mentioning his most recent loving furry companions, Bobby-the bobtail cat, Ginger Bread-the chocolate lab, Keera-the schnauzer, Cassie-the golden retriever, and Buster Brown-the terrier. Buster was in Jim’s bed 24 hours a day to comfort him during his final 6 days.
The family will receive guests from 10:00-11:00 am on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. His cousin, Rev. Jerry Ernst, will officiate his funeral service beginning at 11:00 am. Internment will be in Ontario Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Richland County Dog Pound, 810 N. Home Rd., Mansfield, OH 44906 or the Mark D. Hellinger Scholarship Fund. The family wishes to express their thanks to the staff of Kind Hearts Hospice for their compassionate care.
