James D. "Jim" Spaun

James D. Spaun, 78, of Tiffin, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 05, 2024 at home surrounded by his loving family after a brief battle with cancer.

He was born on July 06, 1945, in Tiffin, Ohio, to Catherine (Feasel) and Harold  Spaun, both of whom preceded him in death.  Jim married Kathleen M. Breitigam on September 28, 1968 in Angola, Indiana, and she survives in Tiffin.  They renewed their wedding vows in St. Joseph Catholic Church in 2018, surrounded by family and friends.  Together Jim and Kate raised three children, Lori (Greg) Smith of Tiffin, Lisa (Jim) Elseser of Massillon, and James (Joanna) Spaun of Tiffin.  Jim adored his 12 grandchildren, Taylor (Danielle) Smith of Chicago, Olivia (Brent Castle) Smith of Portland, OR, Tanner (Sophia) Smith of Fostoria, Grantt (Zoe Kent) Smith of Bowling Green, Caitlin (Frederick Burchett) Elseser of Ada, Ohio, Sydney, Abby, and Cole Elseser of Massillon, Ohio, Garrett, Allie Jo, Hannah, and Rachel Spaun, all of Tiffin, Ohio.  Jim is also survived by he and Kate’s adopted dog, Sadie. 

Jim is also survived by his siblings, Marlene (late Lloyd) Matthews of Tiffin, Harold (Judy) Spaun of Texas, Larry (Margaret) Spaun of Green Springs, Richard Spaun of Fostoria, Christena (late Larry) Gillett of North Carolina and Vicki (late Rex) Huffman of Tiffin, and special nephew and OSU Buckeye buddy, Steve (Mary Ann) Spaun of Texas, whom he thought of as a son, along with many other nieces and nephews he cared for deeply.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Bobby Joe Spaun.

Jim graduated from Columbian High School in 1963 and enlisted in the United States Army.  He served in the Army from 1963 to 1966.  Jim was awarded a Commendation Medal of Honor for Meritorious Service while stationed at Central Command at McDill Airforce Base in Tampa, Florida.  He was extremely proud of his service to his nation and proud of his brothers for their sacrifices while in the Armed Forces as well.  Jim worked very hard as a laborer at American Standard in Tiffin, retiring after 29 years of service, and setting an example of a tough work ethic to everyone who knew him.  Jim was baptized into the Catholic faith in 2010 at St. Joseph Catholic Church by Fr. Joe Szybka and the late Deacon Dan Scherger.  Jim was very active and involved in his faith.

Jim never met a stranger, as he was known for always making friends wherever he went and had a deep fondness for making people smile.  He will be most remembered for his love of telling jokes and being the biggest (and earliest) supporter of all of his children and grandchildren.  He enjoyed every opportunity to attend sporting events, musicals, plays, dances or school activities to support his family.  He was not only proud of his kids and grandkids, but their friends and teammates as well.  He was a huge supporter of all Calvert Senecas sports teams, the Ohio State Buckeyes teams, and the Detroit Lions and Tigers team.  Jim was happy, and somewhat shocked, that he could finally take some pride in the Lions during the past few seasons.  Jim volunteered as a funeral luncheon server at St. Joseph Catholic Church, volunteered countless hours selling raffle tickets for the St. Joe’s festival, worked bingo and lunches at school, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Tiffin.

Family was everything to Jim, and everyone was welcomed into his family.  Anyone who saw Jim could be sure that he’d have a joke for you or the complete recap of last night’s game – Senecas, Buckeyes, or otherwise.  To all of the Detroit fans he’d say “Hang in there”.  The only things that Grandpa demanded from his friends and family were honesty, and integrity.  His kind-hearted nature and selfless, caring, generous spirit will be remembered by those who knew him.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 09, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church.  A Rosary will be prayed 30 minutes prior to Mass.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors being conducted by the United Veterans Council.

Friends and family may share stories and fond memories of Jim from 2-7:00 P.M. on Friday, March 08, 2024 at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883, (419) 447-2424.

Memorial contributions may be made to Home Away from Home, 2213 Cherry Street, Toledo, Ohio 43608-9988, St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Joseph the Worker Fund, or to Calvert Catholic Schools Athletic Boosters.

Condolences may be sent and the guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.

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