Lloyd Abrecht

Lloyd J. “Jim” Abrecht, age 83, of Dover, died Tuesday, January 27, 2009 in Union Hospital at Dover.

A son of the late Adolf and Marie (Stegman) Abrecht, Jim was born at Parrall on August 8, 1925.

From 1943-1946, Jim served his country as a member of the United States Air Force. He served as a part of the air offensive campaign at Japan, as well as in the South Philippines. For his services, Jim was decorated with the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Ribbon with four bronze stars, The Good Conduct Medal, as well as other decorations.

Jim’s professional career spanned 40 years as an employee of the Dominion East-Ohio Gas Company. For a number of years following his retirement, Jim found enjoyment in driving school bus for the Dover City Schools, as well as driving for Simon Duplex at Dover.

A gentleman with an amazing wit and sense of humor, Jim always enjoyed sharing breakfasts in the Dover VFW or Dee’s Restaurant with his friends. On Wednesday evenings, Jim shared a time of fellowship with his friends of the Corvette Club at Sunnyside Restaurant at Parrall and would also attend the monthly family gathering of “The Cousins Club”. For many years, Jim was a figure at the Midvale Speedway. He raced car AB3 and was later inducted into the Hall of Fame. Additionally, Jim was a member of Pine Hill Hunting Club.

Early in life he married the mother of his three children, Phyllis Abrecht of Dalton, Ohio and later married the former Marcia Bolin, who passed away in 2001. On Valentine’s Day 2004, Jim married Sandra Goss and the couple enjoyed traveling and spending time with their friends and combined families.

In addition to his wife, Sandy, Jim is survived by two sons, Allan (Paula) Abrecht of Wooster, and Eric (Cindy) Abrecht of Marietta; and a daughter, Faye (Steve) Varga of Ann Arbor, Michigan; two step-daughters, Dorenda (Greg) Rennie of Melborne, Florida, and Holly (Chuck) Cardani, of New Philadelphia; and a step-son, James Goss, Jr. and companion Karrie Coleman of New Philadelphia. Nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild, as well as five step-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews complete the family.

In addition to his parents, and second wife, Jim was preceded in death by four sisters and one brother.

In keeping with Jim’s wishes, cremation care was handled through Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory at Dover. A graveside service performed by the Dover VFW Post 3463 will be held Saturday, May 23, 2009, at 2 PM in Maple Grove Cemetery at Dover.

The family requests that memorial contributions in Jim’s name be sent to the First United Methodist Church at Dover, 1725 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, OH 44622.