James Koehler Obituary

James Craig Koehler

James Craig Koehler, 91, of Findlay, passed away Monday, January 6, 2025, at his residence. He was born in Findlay November 14, 1933 to the late Ralph and Gladys (Binau) Koehler.

Jim first married Jane L. Snyder, they later divorced and she is deceased. He then married Bonnie Kuhlman on February 12, 1988 and she survives. Also surviving are four children, Jeffrey James (Brenda Rickle) Koehler, Lisa Jane Chubb, Susan Elizabeth (Keith) Joy and James Craig (Tracy) Koehler II; stepchildren, Heath (Lisa) Rider and Heather Wilson; 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Julia Jane Koehler; and brothers, Henry E. and David L. Koehler.

From an early age of 8, Jim learned working for his family was expected and nonnegotiable. He came from a family of five, with two older brothers who all had a hand in making their nursery and landscaping business a success. Making flower deliveries to churches on Sundays, during weddings, and funerals began at age 13. The only time off would be granted for playing baseball, football, or basketball. It was during his senior year of high school, when he met his first wife that he learned there was a different way to earn a living. His then father-in-law, Pete Snyder, was in real estate, played golf, and drove a new car while Jim and his family worked in the greenhouse seven days a week. After spending time in the Air Force and attending college at The Ohio State University and graduating from Bowling Green State University where he earned his brokerage license upon graduation, Jim began a very successful real estate career. He has developed over 85 subdivision plats with over 3,000 acres of ground in 75 years of hard work and determination. His vision for taking land and turning it into residential and commercial opportunities has helped put Findlay, Ohio on the map as the country's top micropolitan city for economic development.

If you couldn't find Jim at his corporate office in Findlay every day, you could catch him on the golf course or at a horse race. Jim was involved in the horse business for over 60 years, owning hundreds of top standardbred harness race horses with notables such as Won the West (currently residing at Kentucky Horse Park Hall of Fame), Downbytheseaside (One of the top Studs in North America, Australia and New Zealand, and most recently Pebble Beach (Son of Downbytheseaside standing stud in Ohio, Australia and New Zealand). James was also noted for his philanthropic endeavors. He made a large donation in the memory of his mother Gladys and father Ralph for the Koehler Center at The University of Findlay, and he recently donated money for the ice arena renovations at Bowling Green State University. He was also a champion of Habitat for Humanity and YMCA. He loved Findlay, Ohio.

A Celebration of Jim's life and reception will be from noon-3 p.m. Sunday, January 12, 2025, at The Findlay Country Club. A private funeral will be Monday, January 13, 2025, at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, with Ken Zirkle officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery on the Koehler family plot. Hancock County Veterans Memorial Squad will present full military rites.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to James C. and Bonnie L. Koehler Scholarship Endowment Fund, sent to University Advancement, University of Findlay 1000 N. Main St., Findlay, OH 45840.

Online condolences can be shared with the family by visiting coldrencrates.com.