James "Jim" Lenz

Jim was born in his beloved hometown on July 3, 1928. The second child of Carl and Katheryn (Leisz) Lenz, he shared a wonderful childhood with his older sister Carolyn (Lenz) Lambert who preceded him in death in 2017. Before graduating from MHS in the class of 1946, he juggled school involvement with jobs at Dick Baker’s grocery and advertising manager for the MHS Blue & White. After high school, Jim went on to earn a degree in accounting from Miami Jacobs Business College in 1948 while juggling jobs in bookkeeping, bus driving and beyond.

Jim met his first wife, Lucy Basore while in the US Army Corp of Engineers from 1950-52 stationed in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Once married, Lucy and Jim moved back to his hometown and welcomed one daughter, Anita Kay (Lenz) Mitchell, and three sons, Frederick Allen, Carl Benton and James David Lenz. Residing in Miamisburg throughout their childhood and early adulthoods, the four now live in Florida and the Chicago area with their partners, John (Anita), Charlene (Fred) and Shari (Jim).

Jim’s early professional path in insurance took a fortunate turn when he began selling cars for Stueve Ford in 1953. His ease with people and love of cars led to a successful 35-year career as an automobile dealer, and ownership of Deniston Oldsmobile for 26 years.

Jim married Kaye Costello of Miamisburg in 1972, welcoming her children Kimberly Kaye (Lenz) Schroeder and Scott Michael Lenz into the family. Residing in the Miamisburg area through adulthood with their partners Jeff (Kimm) and Kelly (Scott), the family suffered the loss of Scott in 2021. Jim and Kaye shared a love of community and travel throughout their nearly 50-year marriage, before her death in 2020. They enjoyed winters in The Villages, Florida and summers at Bear Lake, Michigan.

Great joys of Jim’s life were as a father, grandfather and uncle. His grandchildren filled his life, particularly after retirement in 1987. They are: Lindsay, Paige and Blake Mitchell (Anita); Michael and Meredith (Scott); Alex and Andie (Kimm); Brianna (Fred); Vincent (Ben); and Jayden (Jim). Foster-grandchildren Rob and Kerri Livio also filled his heart, along with nieces Suzy and Kathy. At his passing, Jim had 10 great grandchildren growing his amazing legacy.

Jim was especially proud to be a 25-year board member of the Miamisburg Savings Bank and Peoples Saving Bank of Xenia. He was also a member of the Lion’s Club, American Legion Post 165, Minerva Lodge no 98, Scottish Rite of Dayton, and Miamisburg Masonic Lodge. But perhaps his most memorable affiliation was as Director Emeritus of the Antioch Shine Rovers, joining parades throughout the country with his green dune buggy pals.

Jim loved his church and was an active member of Trinity Church in Miamisburg. At the beginning of 2026, he joined the community of Sycamore Glen Senior Living. We thank the staff and hospice for their devoted care.

A public visitation for Jim will be held Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Trinity Church, 203 E. Linden Ave., Miamisburg, OH 45342. The memorial service will also be at Trinity Church officiated by Pastor Darryl Pigg on Monday, July 27, 2026, beginning at 10:30 AM. A buffet lunch will immediately follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Trinity Church of Miamisburg.

Arrangements entrusted to Gebhart-Schmidt-Parramore Funeral Home. Condolences may be shared at www.gebhartschmidtparramore.com