James F. Herner

James F. Herner, 88, of Monroeville passed away on January 22, 2021. He was born on August 28, 1932 and grew up on a farm south of Monroeville. He was a 1950 graduate of Monroeville High School. In 1960, Jim earned a Bachelor of Architecture from The Ohio State University after serving in the U.S. Army. In 1962, Jim co-founded Janotta & Herner Construction Co. which soon developed into one of the most respected design/build contractors in Northern Ohio. He retired as President in 1995. He attended St. Peter Lutheran Church, Pontiac and was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Monroeville, serving as a Sunday school teacher, a member of church council, and many committees. Jim did design work on two additions at Trinity.

Jim was devoted to his community. Notable achievements include his service on several church projects, was a 59-year member of Roby Masonic Lodge, W.M. 1968, Past President of Kiwanis Club, and had served as President of Northern Ohio Builders and Contractors Inc. He served on several other community and professional boards and was a member of the American Legion.

Jim was a master carpenter, cabinet maker, wood carver, and cooper, and applied this passion to countless community projects, gifts, and services throughout the region. Jim was the Master Cooper at the Ohio State Fair for over 20 years; a craft he thoroughly enjoyed doing with his brothers, friends, and particularly his grandchildren. Several examples of his contributions to the community include the design and building of solid oak chamber boards and pipes for the old 1800’s pipe organ at St. Peter’s, the American Legion building front in Monroeville, the Agricultural Heritage Building at the Huron County Fair, designed and carved the Monroeville Village Seal, designed the Fisher Brothers Factory Memorial in Norwalk, and carved a large relief log cabin carving of St. John Neumann located on the grounds of St. Alphonsus Church.

Jim enjoyed sharing his time, skill, knowledge, and interests with anyone, especially his family. An avid collector and traveler, Jim enjoyed collecting antique tractors with his sons and traveled the world. For over four decades, he enjoyed making handmade gifts out of exotic woods, such as clocks, sleighs, jewelry boxes, office plaques, variety of carvings, puzzles, and gave them away to friends and family by the hundreds. Jim loved, and was proud of his family and friends.

He enjoyed playing cards, books, puzzles, antiques, tractor and aviation shows. He often volunteered time as a carpenter restoring a Ford Tri-motor airplane at the Liberty Aviation Museum in Port Clinton, Ohio. Jim was blessed beyond measure and lived a happy and full life.

Jim is survived by his four sons: Steve, Arthur (Rosa), Paul (Barb) and David (Ruth) Herner, all of Monroeville, 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, brothers Russell (Marcia) and Richard (Pam) Herner. He was preceded in death by his parents: Arthur and Gaynell Herner, his beloved wife Marilyn G. Herner (Milkie), and brother John Herner.

Friends may call Wednesday from 3-7 p.m. at Pfeil Funeral Home, Monroeville Chapel, 109 Monroe St, Monroeville and will conclude with a masonic service at 6:45 p.m. A private funeral for immediate family will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Thursday 10 a.m. with live webcast to allow for mourners to participate virtually on jimhernermemorial.com.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Peters Lutheran Church, Pontiac, Roby Lodge #534, MHS Scholarship Fund, Monroeville, or the Trinity Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Monroeville.

Condolences may be shared with the family at pfeilfuneralhome.com.

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