James R. Luikart

James R. Luikart of Pataskala, formerly Newark, Ohio, passed away May 2, 2026 at the age of 94. He was born on June 23, 1931 to Julius Sr. and Nannie (Quigley) Luikart in Hannibal, Ohio the youngest of eight children.

Following high school graduation and completion of business school, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and sent to Korea during the Korean War. The U.S. GI Bill provided money to attend The Ohio State University where he earned a B.A. in Education and later a M.A. in Education.

James was an educator in Newark City Schools for 31 years. He taught U.S. History and Science at Roosevelt Jr. High followed by U.S. Government at Newark Senior High where he was Social Studies Department Chairman. He has often said that he thoroughly enjoyed his career and the students he taught. He was awarded Newark City Schools 1983 Teacher of the Year.

As a 35 year resident of Newark, Ohio he was a member of First United Methodist Church where he and his wife Betty were youth group leaders and James was a member of several committees. He was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. A lifelong teacher, he taught citizenship classes to new Americans and U.S. Coast Guard boating safety classes.

He and Betty enjoyed boating at Buckeye Lake, Alum Creek and Lake Cumberland. James was an accomplished woodworker having made several pieces of furniture for his daughter and grandchildren.

James and Betty moved to Pataskala, Ohio in 1994. He was a member of Pataskala United Methodist Church.

James was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Betty (Osborn) Luikart, his parents and brother and sisters.

A dedicated and loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he will be deeply missed by those surviving including his daughter Linda Davis, grandchildren Andrew Wyman, Adam (Anna) Wyman, Leah (Tim) George, great-grandchildren Ashbrook, Sunny and Jones George and nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather at Pataskala United Methodist Church, 458 S. Main St. Pataskala, Ohio 43062, on Tuesday May 12, 2026 from 11 am-1pm for visitation immediately followed by a 1 pm Celebration of Life service conducted by Pastor Carl Redding.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Pataskala United Methodist Church.