Past Chamber President Jim Oswald has Passed Away

James O. Oswald of Orrville passed away on February 24, 2024 following a brief illness. 

He was born June 1, 1944 in Berlin to the late John and Ida Lenhart Oswald. He was a forty-year member of the Wooster Grace Brethren Church. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Ruth Ann Mast Oswald, a son Todd (Karen) Oswald of Lakewood, Ohio, and daughter Lori (Bill) Dennis of Orrville, Ohio; grandchildren Tyler (Haley), Melanie, Blake (Bethany), and Molly Criss (Caleb); great-grandchildren Liam, Tatum, Treyson, Hattie Jo and Carter. He also had special nieces and a nephew, Amy, Kevin, and Winnie; and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Gene and wife Donna of Berlin and sister Virginia and husband Jack Johnston of Wooster.

Mr. Oswald earned degrees from Cedarville University and Central State University. He held numerous state and national professional board appointments as well as many local civic and philanthropic board and committee positions over the years. His employment included department head and assistant vice president for Institutional Advancement at The University of Akron. He was past president of the Orrville Area Chamber of Commerce and executive director of its Development Foundation. He retired in 2009 from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources as a state grant administrator after twenty years.

He was honored with listings in publications such as “Who's Who in America,” “Who's Who in the Midwest,” “International World Book of Honor,” and “Personalities of America.” He was the recipient of scores of districts, regional, state and national awards for management excellence. He was an avid genealogist, book collector, historian, reader of American and British literature and history, and thoroughly enjoyed playing golf.

Above all, he loved his wife and watching their children participating in their careers and accomplishments, and his grandchildren with their sports activities, educational pursuits and personal lives. He especially cherished watching his wife reach the highest level of her academic career.

Friends may call on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Auble Funeral Home, 512 East Oak Street, Orrville, from2:00 pm to 2:45 pm. Services will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the funeral home, with Pastor Joel Zook officiating. A private burial of cremated remains will take place at the Crown Hill Cemetery in Orrville at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial contributions to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 heart.org