Search by Name

Search by Name

James Firth

1956. - 2023

James Firth obituary, 1956.-2023, Findlay, OH

FUNERAL HOME

Coldren-Crates Funeral Home - Findlay

205 West Sandusky Street

Findlay, Ohio

James Firth Obituary

James Stan Firth

James Stan "Jim" Firth, 66, of Findlay, passed away at 12:44 a.m. Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at Blanchard Valley Hospital.

He was born Aug. 10, 1956. Jim was given his middle name by his parents, Dot and Denny Firth, as a tribute to his uncle, Stan Firth. Stan was a Marine who served in World War II and was killed in Guam.

Jim and his wife, Nancy, started each day by waking up and saying, "We have a very good life. We need to appreciate every single day." Jim knew that life is precious and could change in a moment.

Jim earned his Bachelor of Science degree at his alma mater, University of Michigan. Jim was an avid supporter of the Wolverines, as well as all Detroit sports teams. Jim earned his master's degree at Michigan State University to prepare him to work at Marathon for 30 years in Human Resources. Jim worked in Findlay, Garyville, Detroit, Houston, and Robinson.

Jim met his wife, Nancy, in a tennis class at the Y in 2016. Nancy asked Jim to help her practice and then, he asked her for a date. And then their romance began. Jim and Nancy were married on her birthday, Feb. 2, 2019, at Hancock Hotel. This was Jim's first marriage at age 62.

Jim's friends would say "Nancy was the best thing that ever happened to Jim" and Nancy's friends would say "Jim is the best thing that ever happened to Nancy."

Jim was a man of integrity. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was kindhearted and generous. Jim often said he was a "problem solver" with his HR background.

Tiger, Miss Kitty, and Sam were his cats he adopted when they showed up on his doorstep. Jim loved animals and would stuff his pockets full of Milk Bones when he went for a walk in the neighborhood. Jim gave treats to all the dogs he met. Jim also enjoyed flea markets and garage sales.

Jim enjoyed vacationing "Up North" in Michigan. He also traveled to South Carolina and Florida in the winter.

Jim was a "car guy." Jim had a good day on the day he died. Jim drove around the reservoir in his new Mazda Miata that he purchased that day. Jim was taking pictures of the fireworks at a friend's 4th of July party just a few hours before he died.

Jim was also an avid golfer, enjoying a beer after playing 18 holes!

Through his death, Jim helped many others, as he was an organ donor.

Jim had very close relationships with his sisters, Mary Jo Firth-Gillett (Greg), Dr. Susan Bruce, and Laurie Clift (Perry). Jim had many nieces and nephews.

Jim's celebration of life will be 2 p.m. Friday, July 14, 2023, at Hillcrest Golf Course Club House, with visitation from 1-2 p.m. Per the family's request, please dress casually.

Arrangements are being handled by COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay.

Memorials may be given to the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.coldrencrates.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Courier on Jul. 8, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for James Firth

Not sure what to say?





Auntie Joy

December 3, 2025

Missed you at Thanksgiven and Now faceing Christmas again without you , So Hard,

Joy woodbury

July 1, 2025

This is a hard time of the year for me. I miss you so much. You were so special

Auntie

December 19, 2024

The second Christmas with out you and Nancy, Jim .You are so missed .You love Christmas time so much we made so many great memories through the years of which i'm thankful for. But the grief now is still so unbearable with out you here. I love you.. Auntie Joy

Brian Tennant

July 3, 2024

Rest easy my Best Man and golfing buddy. The passage of time will never diminish the blessings of your friendship and your devotion to your extended family. 'Till we meet again on the First Tee and celebrate with a beer on the 19th Hole. Bri-O

Charles Firth

July 20, 2023

I am deeply saddened to hear about the tragic and untimely loss of my cousin Jim. It's heartbreaking to lose someone so young and to such an unfortunate accident. Please know that you are all in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family as you navigate through this profound grief. If there's anything I can do to support you, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Rev Ben & Judy Lowell

July 13, 2023

Our thoughts and prayers are with Nancy, all the family, and everyone from church, work, and everywhere who knew Jim. God be with you all.

Mary Jo Firth Gillett, sister

July 13, 2023

Jim was a man of great kindness and integrity. His big heart included the love of all animals. Several homeless cats came to him through the years. He sent me many pictures of Sam, his most recent adoptee, stretched out on his legs and chest as they reclined in cat and human bliss. Jim felt deeply. A kitten he rescued and took to a vet didn't "make it" and his grief was palpable.
As Jim's older sister by eight years, I remember that even from earliest childhood Jim loved good food. His whole face would beam as he ate with gusto. I received many texts with photos of favorite foods as he prepared to dig in.
My brother enjoyed cars and he fulfilled the dream of owning a yellow corvette. Jim found great pleasure in golf, food, animals, and helping others.
It's such luck in this crazy world that Nancy and Jim found each other to love and support. Their time together enriched both their lives. I wish it could have been longer. She brought him great joy.
The world was a better place because of Jim.

Mary Jo Firth Gillett, sister

July 13, 2023

Jim was a man of great kindness and integrity. His huge heart included the love of all animals. Several homeless cats came to him through the years and Jim took them in. He sent me many pictures of Sam, his most recent adoptee, stretched out on his legs and chest as they reclined in a state of cat and human bliss. Jim felt deeply. A kitten he rescued and took to a vet didn't "make it" and his grief was palpable.
As Jim's older sister by eight years, I remember that even from earliest childhood Jim appreciated good food. His whole face would beam as he ate with gusto. I received many texts with photos of favorite foods.
My brother enjoyed cars and fulfilled a dream of owning a yellow corvette. Jim appreciated life and whether it was animals, food, cars, golfing, or time with Nancy, you knew he was filled with joy.
It's such luck in this crazy world that Nancy and Jim found each other to love and support. They greatly enriched each other's lives. Jim was filled with love and gratitude for Nancy. He was the happiest I've known him. The world was a better place because of JIm.

Trina Willis

July 12, 2023

Sorry for your loss. I worked with Jim at the Detroit Refinery. He was a good person with a strong passion of his job. Stay strong and know that God is by your side.

Kim Gordon

July 11, 2023

The one thing that stands out the most about Jim was his thoughtfulness. His love and kindness towards his family, especially my mom (His Aunt Joy) was limitless. He spent so many Christmases with us throughout the years that it is very hard to imagine the holidays without him. I was going through my text messages with him and realized how quick he was to offer words of encouragement anytime he sensed that I was struggling and it usually came with a good dose of humor that always made me smile. He and Nancy did so much for my mom through the Covid pandemic. They made certain that she had everything she needed, and visited often helping her around the house. The care and consideration that he had for others seemed like it could never run out. I will miss my cousin more than I can say. He really was a good man and I am grateful for every moment that he spent with us. Thank you for everything Jim, from your 'cuz'!

Joy woodbury

July 8, 2023

My beloved nephew . My heart is so broken, You were always here for me ,More like a son then a nephew. Comfort shall come in all the wonderful memories shared through out your life and mind .The Christmas's we shared ,the family gatherings. the times you came and supported me in time of losses of my own ,And to to help paint my home and garage . Me in Michigan and you in Ohio , the return trips, week ends apart because we could not get the perfect color to match the siding om the house, But you always succeeded, Then You blessed me with a new niece Your beloved Wife Nancy, and then their was a twosome the fun we always had,. I was so so happy you found her to share your life with. I had such a great time cooking and baking for you , such an appetite .You had such a good heart ,So Giving of yourself. I loved you so much Jim. Deepest sympathy to Nancy You'll aways be in my prayers ,and love and Hugs to Laurie ,Susan and Mary Jo and all the rest of our family. Jim's friends, I know who are in shock, Pain and deep sadness, Rest in Peace ,yours'll always be in my heart. Your auntie , AJ

Dave Tennant

July 8, 2023

Jim was a friend to all of us. I am so saddened to hear this news.

Laurie (Firth) Clift, sister

July 8, 2023

So many people knew how special my brother was. Yes, he was so kind, and generous and always helping family members and neighbors.

He greatly loved animals. In 2020, we vacationed together in Destin, FL with Jim & Nancy. I´ll never forget walking on the beach and how he wanted to interact with every dog he saw. It didn´t matter if it was on the beach or up on people´s property. He would just walk over and ask to pet their dog.

Jim was three years older than me, and we played together as children. Fond memories include playing together with his GI Joes, little plastic army men and farm animals. We would play basketball - Around the World. Even when he spotted me 19 points, he often would reach 21 before I could. We were always laughing together.

Even at a young age, Jim was financially savvy. I would eat my Halloween candy way too fast, but Jim saved his sometimes until almost Thanksgiving, and would create a store for me to purchase his candy with my allowance. It was a win-win for both of us. Jim had a coin collection and would enjoy going through change to find that old Indian Head penny.

He had a great sense of humor. When we were young, he would laugh so hard while we watched cartoons, and we grew up playing in our wonderful, large back yard. We climbed trees and made swings from the long branches of large willow trees. We had FUN together.

Fishing was also a big part of our younger years. My parents renovated homes on the lakes of Michigan. I have countless memories of my dad, Jim and I fishing on various lakes but often on Saginaw Bay where our family cottage was. We got so excited when we would bring up "double headers", as we called them, or two perch at a time. Our time together, talking, was just so special.

He loved food and sometimes would send me pictures of what he was about to eat. He liked to call me Lorie Porie - from an old nursery rhyme. Now I will miss that.

Jim loved Nancy with all of his huge heart. He was his happiest since he met Nancy and for that I am grateful. Jim had many special ways of showing his love and I´m thankful that they had loving years together. I will miss him very much.

Brian Tennant

July 7, 2023

My heart is broken. I have lost my best man, best friend and golfing partner. Heaven just got the best of the best. My very deep condolences to Nancy, Jim's sisters and extended family.

Frank/Kathy Beier and Family

July 7, 2023

Jim was a wonderful friend and neighbor. I was greatly saddened by his sudden departure from this mortal world. You will be greatly missed by many Jim. Your fellowship with me and my family meant a great deal to us. We loved how you played with our dogs Baxter and Charlie and they both learned real quick the sound of your voice meant treats were nearby. I know in my heart many of your canine friends in the neighborhood will miss your friendly smile and warm personality. Jim adored animals and he always carried dog treats with him on his walks. He was just that kind of man men should emulate more these days. You will be missed dearly. Rest in Peace my friend and neighbor.

Susan (Firth) Bruce, sister

July 7, 2023

Jim was dearly loved. He was crazy wild for animals and often sought interactions with dogs and cats especially. He was a helper, a man who wanted to make others' lives better. He was a loyal person. Jim loved animals, cars, managing investments, golfing, good food, the outdoors, and just being with family and friends. He married for the first and only time at the age of 62. In April he told me how lucky he was to have Nancy for his wife. He was a strong source of support. Jim will be remembered very fondly by many.

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results

Make a Donation
in James Firth's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for James Firth

Jul

14

Visitation

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Hillcrest Golf Course Club House

OH

Jul

14

Celebration of Life

2:00 p.m.

Hillcrest Golf Course Club House

OH

Funeral services provided by:

Coldren-Crates Funeral Home - Findlay

205 West Sandusky Street, Findlay, OH 45840

How to support James's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor James Firth's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more