James Toth Obituary

James Alan "Jim" Toth

James A. Toth, 78, of Findlay, Ohio, gave his final bow at 10:23 p.m. Friday, May 23, 2025, after succumbing to COPD. Though the curtain has closed on his earthly stage, the legacy he leaves behind will continue to play in the hearts and lives of all who knew him.

Born January 22, 1947, in Findlay, to the late Paul and Elmina (Vaughn) Toth, Jim was a true hometown hero, a man who transformed ordinary community stages into places of extraordinary magic.

He married the love of his life, Linda Woodward, December 13, 1969. She survives him, along with a family who adored him: his son, Devlin (Linda) Toth of Terryville, Connecticut; daughter, Stacy Trimble of Findlay; five grandchildren, Nick (Demiya) Trimble and Josh Trimble of Findlay, and Tyrus Toth, Jacob (Sheyla) Toth, and Megan Toth from Terryville, Connecticut; and two eagerly awaited great-grandchildren.

He graduated from Findlay High School, class of 1965, which is celebrating its 60th reunion this year. He also earned a degree in theater from Bowling Green State University.

Professionally, Jim dedicated his career to Cooper Tire and Rubber Company, retiring in 2012 as Shipping and Receiving Manager. However, the stage was his life's work, passion, and true masterpiece.

A pillar of Fort Findlay Playhouse, Jim was a published playwright and also a multiple award-winning director and actor with unmatched comedic timing and heart. With over 200 shows to his name, his fingerprints are on nearly every corner of Findlay's theatrical history.

His contributions extended to Arts Partnership Youth Theatre, Black Swamp Players, Bowling Green, Ohio, Amil Tellers of Dramatics (Encore Theatre), Lima, Ohio, Ohio Community Theater Association, and dozens of Murder Mystery Dinner Theater productions published and penned by his hand, one of which was performed as far as Germany.

As part of Fort Findlay Playhouse's 60th anniversary season, they showcased Jim's original comedy, "Pair-a-Dice Canteen," as its world premiere. Also, in recent years, they honored Jim by accepting one of his original works as a second-stage show, "Blood Moon Memories," based on his childhood. In recognition of his lifelong dedication, Jim was awarded Fort Findlay Playhouse's highest honor, Member Emeritus, celebrating a lifetime of service to the good of the playhouse.

He and Tom Kroske also partnered in Kroske's Komedy Kapers, a traveling comedic Abbott and Costello-style vaudeville show that brought joy and laughter to audiences across the region. From building fans of his acting and directing to building confidence in budding actors and building a legacy of original published plays, Jim didn't just support the arts-he was the arts.

Jim also had a love for storytelling beyond the stage. He was a professional movie reviewer, ran fantasy baseball leagues enthusiastically, and cherished all things Michigan - especially his beloved Detroit Tigers. As a young dad, Jim was a fixture in the world of competitive putt-putt, running the local course and earning a name for himself by winning numerous local and state tournaments with precision and playful charm. He also deeply loved taking his children to the University of Findlay Oiler basketball games, proudly supporting the team every season as a true hometown fan.

One of his most memorable roles includes portraying Albert Soady, the father of two boys on a deer-hunting trip in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, in the comedic cult classic Escanaba in da Moonlight. With his signature twinkle and perfect Yooper accent, Jim brought roaring laughter and heartfelt charm to the role, especially when delivering the iconic line, "If you're looking for heaven, it's just up over da bridge."

His wit was sharp, his storytelling compelling, and his friendship deep. A mentor to many and a friend to all, Jim's legacy stretches across four generations, touching the lives of students, families, fellow performers, and countless audience members.

Visitation will be next week, Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home, 500 Lima Avenue, Findlay.

A service will take place next week, Friday, June 6, 2025, at noon, at Knollcrest Cemetery Chapel, 18003 Ohio Highway 12, Arcadia, Ohio 44804 (enter using the blacktopped driveway).

The service will be conducted by a close friend and extended family member, Dr. Andrea Adams-Miller, PhD.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Jim's name to Fort Findlay Playhouse, 300 West Sandusky Street, Findlay, Ohio 45840, so that the curtain may rise again for future dreamers and storytellers.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com.