James E. Reifenschneider

James Elmer “Jim” Reifenschneider, age 86, of New Philadelphia, passed away peacefully late Wednesday afternoon, September 29, 2010 in his home. Born at Dover, March 28, 1924, he was a son of the late James Elmer and Lucy Harding Reifenschneider. A 1942 graduate of the former Stonecreek-Jefferson High School, Jim entered the United States Army Air Force in December, 1943. He served as an aerial gunner with a B-29 crew, flying 30 bombing missions over Japan. Discharged in October, 1945, as a Technical Sergeant, Jim was highly decorated, earning four bronze stars with his Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Ribbon, and four bronze clusters with his Air Medal. For his acts of heroism and extraordinary achievement, Jim was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross by order of President Truman. Once back in the Tuscarawas Valley, Jim could be counted upon to lend a hand to a number of worthwhile projects. In addition to keeping busy working at the former I.F. Manufacturing as a machine operator, Jim also sold real estate for more than 20 years, purchasing homes, making improvements and reselling them in better condition. Later in life, Jim was a familiar face in downtown New Philadelphia’s Sherwin-Williams paint store, and at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory, where he served families as a staff associate. Jim’s favorite Bible verse was found in the first chapter of the book of James, the 22nd verse: “Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only”. These words spoke to Jim in a way that allowed him to dedicate many hours of service to God. A faithful member of First United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia, Jim held nearly every leadership roll in the congregation at one time or another, including that of Lay Leader. He was a member of the Crossbearer’s Sunday School Class, and served as the founding director of the Lighthouse Youth Center twenty-five years ago this fall. Jim served on many mission teams originating from the church to the Caribbean and to Charleston, South Carolina, in the devastating wake of Hurricane Hugo in 1986. Locally, Jim organized a construction crew to build handicapped entrance ramps for rural churches, and in the homes of people who previously were shut ins. He’ll be long remembered by his congregation for his inspiring leadership when the church purchased the former Family Cadillac dealership on the south side of West High Avenue. Originally dubbed the Church Annex Mission Project, the building needed major renovation, including the complete reconstruction of interior restrooms, classrooms, and a large gathering space. Upon the completion of the multi year project, the building was dedicated as J.I.M’s place â?? an acronym for Jesus In Ministry â?? which also properly recognizes the work of Jim Reifenschneider on the project. Jim’s family includes his wife, the former Patricia Peters whom he wed on December 22, 1979. Jim was blessed with a blended family that includes his son, James (wife, Sallyann) Wagoner, of Snellville, Georgia, daughters Paula (husband, Greg) Dragovich, of Strongsville, Debbie (husband, Rick) Colvin, Jill (husband, Kim) Sulzener, Wendy (husband, Ed) Marinelli, all of New Philadelphia, and son Brian (companion Michelle Pompey) Warren, also of New Philadelphia. Sixteen grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren also survive. A sister, Lucy (husband, Floyd) Haines of Stone Creek, a brother, Earl Reifenschneider of New Philadelphia, completes the family. In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by two sisters; Mary Wagoner and Grace Harmon, and a brother, Wilbur. Friends are invited to call Sunday, October 3, 2010 from 2 â?? 5 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. The Rev. Dr. Steven R. Bailey will lead Jim’s funeral service Monday morning at 11 AM in First United Methodist Church. Military honors will be rendered in the church plaza at the conclusion of the service, followed by a reception (appropriately) in J.I.M.’s Place. Cremation is planned, with interment at a later date in Dover Burial Park. Jim was grateful to be able to return home in the twilight of his life, and his family deeply appreciates the services of Union Hospital Home Health Care for making this possible. So that his legacy of service to the church may continue, the Reifenschneider family requests that memorial contributions be made to the First United Methodist Church, 201 West High Avenue, New Philadelphia, OH 44663, or to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201, West Third Street, Dover, OH 44622, in gratitude for their exemplary care. Linn-Hert-Geib(330) 343-5506www.geibcares.com