James Sager Obituary

James R. Sager

James Ralph "Jim" Sager, 84, of Deshler, passed away Monday morning, Sept. 25, 2023, in the comfort of his home with the loving care of his wife, children, and grandchildren.

He was born Sept. 29, 1938, in Custar, to Ernest and Ethel (Feehan) Sager. Jim was a 1956 graduate of Deshler High School where he enjoyed playing basketball and baseball. He attended Tiffin University and graduated with a business degree in 1960.

After graduating college, Jim returned to Deshler to work alongside his father in the family business of Sager Motor Sales. In 1962, he enlisted in Ohio Army National Guard and served his country for six years. After his father's death, the dealership continued under Jim's leadership and overall the business operated for over 75 years.

He married Janet (Fronk) Sager on Oct. 6, 1962, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Defiance. Together, Jim and Janet enjoyed a lifetime of adventures and served as a beautiful example of married life. They were a social couple and enjoyed vacationing with friends and spending winters in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

Jim was a lifetime and faithful member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharistic minister and served on church council. He was past President of Deshler Chamber of Commerce, past board member of Henry County Senior Citizen Board, past member of Deshler Lions Club, and 40-year member of the Corn City State Bank Board of Directors.

His contributions to his family and community are countless. He will be remembered for his humble and generous nature that extended to anyone. Along with his quick wit and sense of humor, Jim made any interaction uplifting and memorable. He cared deeply about things, most importantly his family, and he expected nothing in return other than to leave things better for others.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Sager; son, Steven (Teresa) Sager; daughter, Susan (Brad) Myers; grandson, Anthony Sager; granddaughters, Alexis Myers, Stevie Sager (Ryan Penny), and Brooke (Trevor) Marsha; great-granddaughter, Marlie; sister, Nancy Dillon; and an immeasurable amount of family, dear friends, and community who will forever be grateful for his impact on their lives.

He was preceded in death by a son, John; brother-in-law, Joe Dillon; and parents.

Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Deshler, with Fr. Art Niewiadomski officiating. Graveside services will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Deshler.

Visitation will be 2-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, at Feehan-Rodenberger Funeral Home, Deshler.

The family suggests memorials to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Deshler, Edwin Wood Memorial Library, or Bridge Hospice.

Messages and memories can be left for the family at www.feehanrodenbergerfuneralhome.com.