James William Wolph

On the morning of January 31st, Jim fell asleep and began a new adventure beyond the veil.

James was born in Fostoria on May 3rd 1948 to William and Catherine Wolph; that year was the last time Cleveland won the World Series, he was hoping to see them do it again but even modern medicine couldn't keep him alive that long.

Jim was an Army veteran of the Vietnam war. He retired as a foreman from Honeywell after 31 years and never had he moved as fast as he did on his last day leaving work.

He was once divorced (Cynthia) and had one son (Matthew) and since he turned out so great there was no need for another.

Jim was full of life, love and laughter. Always had stories to share like how he played racquetball with Wilt Chamberlain in Hawaii or drank beer with Ted Nugent or how he won a car by hustling pool before he was old enough to drive. He would give you the shirt off his back which would explain why he never wore one at home.

He loved games from trivia, poker, bridge and gin rummy to bowling, darts, pool and golf. It was a right of passage for his son and nephews to try to beat him in pool while he literally had one arm tied behind his back (we didn't). Jim was a multi-time winning team captain, including a three-peat victory, in the world famous Wolph Open Golf Tournament.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting. Once he scored over a million points in Duck Hunt to the chagrin of his son. He was master of the “button” and loved watching Star Wars, Marvel and Harry Potter plus countless reruns of MASH, Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon and the WWE.

Jim's health was beset by various ailments toward the end. He fought through so many strokes you would think it was his golf score. He battled ulcerative colitis proving everyone wrong who ever said he was full of $#!T and the worst part was that it caused him to retire his “pull my finger joke”. He spent his last few years in the excellent care of the Ohio Veteran's Home.

Jim lived a wonderful life that is impossible to sum up in an obituary. He had three sisters (Barb, Mary and Kitty), five brothers (Charles, Vince, Don, Bill and George) and countless friends and family whom he loved.  To say he will be greatly missed is to know the ways Jim enriched each of our lives.

So lift up a Cherry Pepsi (or an Old Grand-dad 'n soda) and share your favorite stories about Jim and all the love and laughter he left us. Wolphie would have wanted it that way.

Godspeed Dad.

No funeral or memorial service at this time.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating online to:

American Legion Charities Donate Online (mylegion.org), or via check to: Ohio Veterans Home, 3416 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, Ohio 44870, Memo line: “In Memory of James Wolph”

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