James Shrader Obituary

James C. "Jim" Shrader

James C. "Jim" Shrader, September 20, 1937 – July 11, 2025 of Findlay, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, reuniting joyfully in Heaven with his beloved wife, Sue, and cherished grandson, Gregory. With renewed body and spirit, Jim is now dancing on streets of gold, finally face-to-face with the Savior he faithfully served throughout his life.

Born in North Jackson September 20, 1937, Jim was the son of the late C.J. and Florence Shrader, who preceded him in death, along with his sister, Barbara Heamon.

On June 13, 1959, he married the love of his life, Sue Ann Kamerer, who preceded him in death October 6, 2018. Jim is survived by three children, Chris (Terri) Shrader of Fairhope, Alabama, Jeff (Elsa) Shrader, and Carolyn (David) Copus, both of Findlay. He is also survived by five grandchildren and one stepgrandson, Jacob (Meghan Holst) of Marietta, Georgia, Austin Shrader of Denver, Colorado, Jonathan (Emily) Shrader of New Albany, Graham (Kenidi), Hunter (Skyler), and Tyler Copus, all of Findlay; and one great-grandson, Callum Copus.

Jim graduated from Findlay High School in 1955 and earned a business degree from Bowling Green State University. After graduation, he proudly served in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he achieved the rank of Captain.

Following his military service, Jim entered into partnership and became president of Findlay International, a company that sold farming equipment, Scouts, semi-trucks, and lawn and snow equipment until 2001. He later joined Findlay Ford as a salesman, working for his fellow Rotarian Stan Kujawa and later the Reineke family, continuing to serve customers with integrity and joy until 2024.

Jim's greatest pride and joy was his family. Summers were filled with unforgettable memories at Platte Lake and later at the family cottage in Petoskey, Michigan, days of tubing, sailing, dune climbing, and evening bonfires. He especially loved winter and skied well into his early 70s. Jim also cherished time spent on Little Traverse Bay, polishing Petoskey stones and being active in Bay View Methodist Association. Whether at the family cottage or home, always organized by his beloved "Susie," family gatherings were the heartbeat of his life.

Jim's life was marked by unwavering faith, servant leadership, and a deep compassion for others. A lifelong member of St. Mark's United Methodist Church, Jim truly embodied the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self." His answer to those in need was always a heartfelt and enthusiastic "yes."

A devoted Rotarian, Jim served as past president of Findlay Rotary Club and as district governor. He participated in multiple humanitarian missions to Central America and Nigeria, where he courageously delivered polio vaccines.

At home, Jim served in numerous roles, never for recognition, but always with purpose. He offered rides, visited the sick, and supported countless causes. He served as vice president and board member (later Emeritus) of Blanchard Valley Health Foundation, helping to facilitate the fundraising for the new patient pavilion. He also served as Chairman of the Winebrenner Board, overseeing the expansion of the nursing care facility to its Eastern Woods location. Jim played key roles in the MESA Committee, Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce (as past chairman), and was a founding member of the original Art Partnership/Festival Committee, recruited, of course, because he had a truck and a heart ready to help.

Jim often said, "I'm just ordinary, but when you put me with others, we become extraordinary." He lived that belief every day.

Jim also had a gift for music and a passion for singing. He was a founding member of Millstream Singers and, most recently, sang in St. Mark's and 50 North choir.

He led by example. A man of humility and generosity, Jim quietly made an indelible mark on his community for over six decades. He mentored others, shared wisdom freely, and lived out the values of faith, integrity, compassion, and service.

Jim leaves behind a legacy of kindness, purpose, and faith. He is survived by his loving family and countless friends and Rotarians whose lives are better because they knew him.

He didn't just talk about giving back-he lived it. And in doing so, Jim Shrader made the world, especially his corner of it, a more caring and hopeful place.

The family would like to extend its greatest gratitude to his home health caregiver, Kellie from Cornerstone Caregivers, his family physician, Dr. Mark Fox, his cardiologist, Dr. Gregory Gerschutz, nurse practitioner Bridget Miller in urology and all nurses who cared for him at Blanchard Valley Hospital, Bluffton Hospital Swing Unit and Bridge In-Patient Hospice.

Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. Monday, July 14, 2025, at Kirkpatrick Behnke Funeral Home. Additional visitation will take place from 12-1 p.m. Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 1 p.m., officiated by Pastor Dan Metzger. Graveside service will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's memory to Findlay Rotary Club, 2447 Tiffin Avenue No. 208, Findlay, Ohio 45840; Blanchard Valley Health Foundation, 1900 South Main Street, Findlay, OH 45840; 50 North, 339 East Melrose Avenue, Findlay, OH 45840

"Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:23