James C. Werling

Born on April 2, 1929, in Akron, Ohio, Jim was the son of Clarence Milton Werling and Lillian Zetta McKeever Werling. His childhood took him from kindergarten at Hayes School in Fremont, Ohio, to grade school in New Jersey. He later attended Blair Academy before continuing his education at Kent State University and Lehigh University.

After college, Jim returned to Fremont to work for the Howard Zink Company, where he met Barbara Bowlus, the woman who would become his wife and lifelong partner. They eloped to Angola, Indiana, and were married on September 8, 1951.

Later that year, Jim and Barbara moved to Long Beach, California, with the Zink Company, where they began raising their family. In 1954, they returned to Fremont, and Jim joined Bowlus Trucking Company, working alongside his father-in-law. Fremont remained home for more than four decades until 1995, when Jim and Barbara embraced retirement with the same adventurous spirit that defined their lives. They enjoyed living in several locations throughout the U.S. and Mexico before eventually settling in Columbus.

Jim approached life with curiosity and creativity. He had a gift for making people laugh with his unmistakable, quick-witted sense of humor. An admirer of art and design, he had a talent for remodeling and reimagining the homes he and Barbara shared, leaving each one with his unique vision and craftsmanship.

Jim enjoyed gardening and raising cattle as a gentleman farmer, golfing, and following the stock market. He was a proud member of the Fremont Outing Club, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Shriners.

Above all, Jim was the patriarch of a large and loving family. He is survived by his children, James (Vicki), Jeffery, Jody (T.J. Brudzinski), Peter (Sandy), and Joanne (Matt Collins); his daughter-in-law, Debbie Werling; his grandchildren, Jennifer Hollman, Joshua Werling, Benjamin Werling, Ryan Werling, Matt Werling, Nick Werling, Samantha Brudzinski, Paige Brudzinski, Britini Smith, Abby Rogers, Bridgid Williams, and Kevin Collins; and 14 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense pride and happiness.

Jim was preceded in death by Barbara and by their son, John.

Jim lived a long, full, and robust life. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, creative spirit, wide-ranging interests, and, most of all, the love he shared with his family.

Jim’s life will be celebrated in September in Fremont. Memorials can be made to Hayes Memorial or Bristol Hospice in Columbus, OH.