This is Ralph Holt,  I just found out that Jim passed away today (Dec. 21). I usually call Jim around christmas each year but could not make a connection this year. My brother checked on facebook and found out about his passing.   I coached basketball with Jim at Midpark for 8 years (1968-1974)  before moving to Tennessee where I coached for 15 more years. He was such a great influence on my life, not only in coaching but in my lifes experiences. I played many rounds of golf with Jim as well as ping pong, badmitten, and two on two basketball against Dave Long and Bruce Wenmoth. He hated to lose in anything, more than any person that I have ever been around. I will always remember Jim as my best friend outside of my family.

I will always remember Jim from Marietta College where we were graduated in 1962.
He was always kind and very helpful. My Dad loved watching him play basketball. at 
Marietta College.  RIP, Jim!  Will never forget you!

So sorry  to hear  about  Jim . I work  at Giant  Eagle and it was always  a pleasure  seeing  Barb  and Jim . They  always  came up to me Jim shaking  my hand and Barb  giving  me a hug and kiss. What a Special  couple  they  were  ,I will  dearly  miss seeing  them. Joe Torcaso

As my Dad was nearing the end of his life, we had made a commitment to take our Grandson to his travel hockey tournament over in Pittsburgh...   Anyone who knew my Dad knows he insisted we take our Grandson to his tournament... It was a really hard decision for us until Coach said he would be with my Dad while we were gone.  So Coach went to my Dad's hospice room, nothing was said he just held his hand...  Coach was always giving to everyone...  He leaves a legacy we should all aspire to...   I know right now the two of them are talking about what the 3 point line has done to the game...   running the spread offense...   and how to help kids with preparing for life...   I will miss Coach's Buckeyes!!!!

Dear Barbara and familyâ€”-

I was out of town last week and just learned of Coachâ€™s home going. I was crushed. I was a Sun Newspaper sports writer when we met in 1974. A fierce and loving coach, a dear man. His selfless and love for Barb, Danny and you all spoke volumes. We reconnected at a funeral 4 years ago. We met for breakfast twice and he came to our church to hear me preach. We tried to set up a breakfast again, but caught him on a bad day. I was recently trying again. I had no clue what was going on

I know I will seen Jim in heaven by Godâ€™s grace but I am so sad to not break bread together again. At first, those eyebrows â€œscaredâ€ me. LOL. But I loved and respected that man. I am so dorry and praying for you all!!!

I noticed something going on at your house and just learned of your passing  ðŸ¥¹ I can not believe it! I just talked to you and Barb as you were pushing her by my house for a walk. Rest in peace, Jim. I feel speechless. You were one of a kind. ðŸ•Šï¸

I am Jimâ€™s wife, Barbs nail technician. Seems so minor and smallâ€¦ but when I say that Jim and Barb have changed my life in more ways than one i mean it. 
I am greeted with love, hugs, and such kind praise every single time they come into the salon. My day is so so bright when I get to see them. Jim always made sure to bring me homemade buckeyes as he knows they are my favorite. Always making sure he â€œpaid me enoughâ€, and always thanked me 100 times for being so patient with Barb during her manicures and pedicures. Jim is without a doubt one of the most kind and patient men. The way he is with Barb and her appointments to make sure she is taken care of and comfortable. 
I have cherished my time with Jim so tremendously and never took it for granted. I just had an appointment with them last week and am shocked at this news. I am so grateful I had one last appointment with both of them. Any friends and family please know that even as a â€œyoungerâ€ friend of Jim and Barbs, how much i appreciate their friendship and kindness. My heart is breaking for all of you. We lost an incredible person that i will deeply deeply miss.

I met Jim as a child; Barb is my cousin. We would see the Pheneger family at Grandma & Grandpa McGowanâ€™s when they visited. He was always joking with me and my siblings, making us laugh. He always told me to keep smiling no matter what. I havenâ€™t seen him & Barb since 2006 when my motherâ€™s health was declining and he was so kind, just like always, during our difficult time. He was a wonderful human being and I will miss him. Rest easy Jim. â¤ï¸

He was someone you never forgot!!!!  Rest in peace COACH!!!

I have the best memories of visiting with Uncle Jim - he and Aunt Barb were a big part of my young life. Jim always had a smile and a hug to give. He will be missed.

I had the privilege of playing on both of Coach Phenegerâ€™s Midpark basketball championship teams.  We werenâ€™t always as talented man for man as our opponents but Coach Pheneger instilled a winning chemistry of teamwork, mental toughness, and a never ever give up attitude. We won many late comeback games and came just 4 points shy of defeating number 1 state ranked Cleveland East Tech in the third round of tournament playoffs my senior year.  He is a man of great character and integrity who spent a lifetime serving others and was a good role model for his players and students.  May God bless and comfort his family during this challenging period.

Uncle Jim always had a smile and a hug for us. Visiting Aunt Barb and him was a big part of our young lives. He was a great man with a huge heart. We will miss him.

David, Mary, and Amy, I am sure you barely remember the Tennessee Veazies, but I vividly remember Uncle Jim and Aunt Barb. They were shining, beautiful people. I am so sorry for your loss.

Amy, I am so sorry you have lost your dad. It's hard to lose anyone you love, but a father holds a special place in your heart. Hold tight to the good memories.  Keeping you, Brian and your family in my prayers.

I played on his first varsity team at Midpark and he was Simply The Best Coach, Athlete and one of the best Men Iâ€™ve ever been around. Always had to call him Coach. Jim in my head didnâ€™t give him all the respect I had for him. He will be missed but NEVER
forgotten!

Jim made the BEST buckeyes! Iâ€™ve been fortunate to have seen barb and Jim a few times over the past several years, once when they were at the condo in Naples and we went to sanibel and the ding darling refuge. Jim knew ALL the types of birds! In 2006, met up with them at the biltmore in NC with my aunt M and cousin Pat, and in 2014 when I drove to berea to see them. We went to the beautiful emerald necklace park. I scratched my name on the little blackboard in their kitchen that had all their kids names on it from their childhood! I am honored they let me get away with adding my name!What a reunion with the huge family in the heavens:) my deepest sympathies for the family and my oldest cousin barb ðŸ’—

What a blessing to know Jim. He was such a kind and caring person. A testimony of Godâ€™s love to all especially to his wife And â€œDan the Manâ€. I will always have fond memories of knowing them when playing piano at the Amish Door and his whole family. Such love. He is with Jesus. Prayers for all who loved and knew him. ðŸ™â¤ï¸

Coach was my science teacher in 8th grade in Granville, Ohio. He was baseball coach to my late husband at GHS. Jim was a kind and wise coach, but taught his boys discipline, too. I believe that every person who met Jim went away feeling that here was a man of deep beliefs, conviction, humility and love. The privilege to have known him is a gift many Blue Aces appreciate. Godspeed, Coach.

Mr Pheneger was a Wonderful teacher. I remember one day at gym class I mentioned about not wanting to be there.   He gave me the speech about getting fat if I don't keep exercising.   When our girls softball team was being inducted into the hall of fame that day he was at the ceremony and he remembered me and our conversation, we laughed and then he told me I did good.  He was funny, caring and he has really had an impact on me.  I have been so blessed to have known him.  Thanks to his wife and family for sharing him all these years.  God Bless the Pheneger Family.

Jim was a friend of mine and a mentor to my son.  A truly good man in all regards, and will be sorely missed.  He was a "builder of boys and maker of men"!   His career was all about giving and seeing to it that his boys were always ready and helped them to grow up to be strong citizens.   Sincerely, Tim and Karen Braaten

â€œCoachâ€ was a kind and generous manâ€¦.always reaching out and encouraging others. I donâ€™t think he ever had an enemy! He was a great coach and an awesome motivator. Though heaven has gained another angel, we earthlings are sure going to miss â€œCoachâ€!

Dave, Mark and Amy,
I have no words for what your dad meant to me and my family.  He was loved and adored.  Please know my heart is with you as you navigate through this tremendous loss.  I am so grateful for all the years we were blessed to spend with him, your mom and Danny and all of you growing up.

Dave & Mary and family, 
To a life well lived! 
Jim was simply the best!
He will forever bring a smile to my face when I think of him. 
No words to describe the love I had for him ðŸ’ž
What an impact he had on so many, if only others could live they way he chose to live, it would be a much better place.
I am sorry I can't make the services but I'm sure his beautiful family and friends will honor this incredible man. ðŸ’• You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. 
Much love, Jo Welch ðŸ™
Barry too

Dave, Mary, and family, 
What a guy! 
I loved Jim as did so many others. I will forever smile when I think of him ðŸ’ž
He chose to live his life as a teacher of so many things...school, sports, kindness, respect, caregiver, family man, and everyone's friend. 
I am so sorry I will miss his services but I know his beautiful family will honor this incredible man and his life well lived. My thoughts and prayers will be with you. Much love, Jo ( Barry too)

Much Sympathy to the Pheneger family,  Jim Pheneger was many things to many people.  Bottom Line he was a GOOD MAN   .Jim and Barb were High School classmates and we saw them many times over the years.  My heart goes out to the family and prayers for all in the coming weeks.  Jim will be missed is an understatement.

Jim was such a wonderful man! I worked with him at Family Pools and Spas & he was always able to put a smile on my face or make me laugh no matter my mood. One of the greatest men I have ever known. He will be greatly missed by everyone. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you.

Coach Pheneger was a mentor, friend and coach. I owe him alot. He taught me never to quit, never give up and to work hard. He was a big part of my life.  If heaven has a basketball team they now have a new coach!!!

Thanks for everything Coach Pheneger...love you!

Thank you and they are doing anti-hustles right now

Uncle Jim makes the best Buckeyes. My family looks forward to these and we even took some to go on the 4th! Our family gatherings just wonâ€™t be the same!

Mr. Pheneger was my favorite gym teacher ever (me - not a fan of playing sports or gym class)...he allowed a few of us extra time at the ping pong table in lieu of other gym activities which was the best use of gym time in my opinion!  He would always recognize me in the hallway with a friendly "hello" - a great smile and sense of humor...a teacher I will never forget!  Prayers to his family, friends, students and anyone who was lucky enough to have known Mr. P.

OBITUARY

James Wright Pheneger

August 19, 1940 – August 18, 2024

A. Ripepi & Sons Funeral Home

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