James C. Gabel, 71, of rural Tiffin, passed away unexpectedly Saturday afternoon, December 10, 2011 in the Emergency Room at Mercy Tiffin Hospital.

On October 12, 1940 in Fremont, he was born to Melvin C. and Grace M. (Willey) Gabel. He married Eileen Roberts on August 2, 1969.

Survivors include his wife Eileen of 42 years; son, John (Joann) Gabel of New Riegel; daughters, Jane (Tom) Jameson of rural Tiffin; Janet (T.J. Locklear) Meier of Lumberton, NC; brothers, Richard (Maryann) Gabel, Thomas (Sally) Gabel, Michael Gabel all of Tiffin; sister, Karen (Harold) Smith, Jr. of Republic; brother in law, Harry Crosby, Jr. of NV; 7 grandchildren, Wilbur, Cynder, Alysa, Jenna, Lauren, Clayton and Collin; and his best friend, his dog Tippy.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Janet Crosby.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a 1958 graduate of Old Fort High School. Jim was a dedicated farm owner/operator his entire life north of Tiffin raising livestock and working his many acres. He was a supporter and member of FFA, Seneca County Pork Producers, Old Fort Young Farmers, member of the Seneca Farm Bureau and founding member of the Junior Fair Foundation since 1972, Seneca County Fair Board from 1958-2002; Seneca County Farm Bureau Youth Advisor for 10 years. He was a very active in the Seneca County Jr. Fair Foundation from its beginning in 1972. He helped in the planning and building of the hog, sheep and super barn. He was inducted into the Seneca County Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2002 and in March of 2011 Jim was recognized at the annual Bob Evans Farm Ohio 4-H Volunteer conference for 50 years of service. During that time he was the advisor for five different 4-H clubs.

Jim and his wife hosted American Field Service students from seven different countries over the past years.

Jim had a love for working with and developing youth. He also enjoyed taking bus trips, dart ball, canning, reading and playing cards with friends.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Thursday, December 15, 2011 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Joseph Szybka officiating. A Rosary will be prayed 20 minutes prior to mass. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 from 2-8:00 P.M. at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883, (419) 447-2424. A Wake service will begin at 8:00 P.M.

Memorial contributions may be made to Seneca County 4-H Program, St. Joseph Catholic Church or a charity of the donor's choice.

Condolences may be sent and the guest book signed at hgmackfuneralhome.com.