James Hawk

James Curtis Hawk, 86, of New Philadelphia, died Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at Union Hospital in Dover.

A son of the late Albert and Christina (Ott) Hawk, Jim was born in his childhood home at Bakersville, Ohio.

Jim was the co-owner and operator of Mid-Ohio Contracting and was a 50 year member of International Operating Engineers Union Local #18.

During his younger years, he was an avid baseball player and was a longtime member of the Tuscarawas County Merchants baseball team. Later in life Jim was recognized for his accomplishments on the field by being inducted into the Tuscarawas County Baseball Hall of Fame.

He was also known for his artistic and creative abilities. Jim was an award winning realistic oil painter as well as a skilled wood craftsmen who made a variety of novelty toys. Jim’s biggest passion was playing golf in which he was also quite accomplished having won numerous tournaments and awards throughout his lifetime.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis (Hahn) Hawk whom he married on April 25, 1953; his children, James E. (Orlane) Hawk of Sherrodsville, Kimberly J. (Greg) Erb of Columbus and Timothy C. (Kristin) Hawk of Columbus; his grandchildren, James C. (Courtney) Hawk, Michelle (Paul) Zimmerman, William (Monica) Hawk, Jessica (Randy) Pierson, Sarah (Chris) Kimble, Samuel Hawk and Spencer Hawk; 11 great-grandchildren; his siblings, William Hawk of Dover, Nancy Chovan of Massillon, Gordon Hawk of East Sparta and Robert Hawk of West Lafayette; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Jennifer Hawk; a son, Rex Hawk; two grandsons, Daniel Erb and Joseph Hawk; a sister, Doris Harstine; and a brother, Russell Hawk.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation will take place and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 4 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia with Rev. Jeffrey Gerber officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 PM in the funeral home prior to the service. Inurnment will be held in East Avenue Cemetery at a later date.

Contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to the First United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 422, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.