James Bechtler

James C. 'Jim' Bechtler, 75, of Mansfield, died Sunday, February 11, 2007 at his home. He went home to be with his Lord after a nine-month battle with cancer. Born May 28, 1931 in Mansfield, he was the son of Victor and Louise Neider Bechtler and lived in Mansfield most of his life. Jim graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1949 and was a member of the Ontario Christian Fellowship. He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the U.S. Army in Germany as a helicopter mechanic. He was an industrial chemical salesman for 40 years. Jim was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Barbara Jo Frye Bechtler; two sons and daughter-in-law, Steven and Joy Bechtler of Princeton, New Jersey, and Stu Bechtler of Mansfield; one daughter and son-in-law, Staci and Joel Staich of Mansfield; five grandchildren Niccolo Bechtler of Princeton, New Jersey, Shelby, Mackenzie, Charlie and Samuel Staich, all of Mansfield; sister, Margaret Bechtler of Mansfield; brother and sister-in-law, Albert and Louise Bechtler; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, William and Mary Ann Bechtler; and nephew, Steven Bechtler.Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, February 15, 2007 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Ontario Christian Fellowship, 636 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd. Private burial will held for the family. Memorial contributions may be made to The Smile Train, an organization providing surgery for children in third world countries with cleft palates, MedCentral Hospice, or Mansfield Christian School.