WOOSTER -- James F. Carmichael, 76, of Wooster, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, July 13, 2016, at his home. Wayne County lost a true patriot Wednesday with his passing. He will be greatly missed by many.
Jim was born July 18, 1939, in Washington, Pa. His parents were Floyd and Betty Carmichael, and he was a graduate of Shreve High School. Not long after graduation, Jim began a journey that turned into his life's passion of his love of God, country and family. He began this journey by proudly serving his country in the Ohio Army National Guard from 1959-64. From 1971-79 he became mayor of the Village of Shreve, during this time he was president of the Wayne County Mayors Association, president of Shreve Friends of the Library and was a member of Shreve Fire and Police Departments. Following this introduction to public service, Jim became a member of the Wayne County Board of Elections from 1980-99 and was chairman, 1989-99. At this time he also served as chairman of the Wayne County Republican Party 1981-2000.
In 2001, Jim was elected as a State Representative serving in the Ohio House of Representatives until 2009. He served as Assistant Majority Whip, Majority Whip and Assistant Majority Floor Leader; Chairman, House State Government Committee, which involved campaign finance reform; Chairman, Ohio House and Senate Cancer Caucus; introduced H.B. 262, modifying Ohio's election laws and assisting with the recruitment of poll workers and incorporating sweeping reform to bring Ohio in line with the Help America Vote Act (signed into law on May 7, 2004); sponsored H.B. 39, which requires serious sexually oriented offenders to comply with the state's sexual offender notification law for 20 years, by notifying state and neighbors within 1,000 feet; sponsored H.B. 9, which helped Ohio farmers in numerous ways; sponsored H.B. 297, which raised awareness of Lyme Disease in Ohio.
After leaving the House of Representatives, Jim was elected to serve as a commissioner for Wayne County 2009-present. He was involved in many organizations, committees and community affairs; one of particular interest was being a Merit Badge Counselor for Citizen in the Nation, Boy Scouts of America. Jim's leadership abilities were not limited to elected office, he spent 32 years working for what is now Dominion East Ohio Gas Company. He began reading meters and through hard work and dedication, he rose to be district manager for the Wooster region.
He also was very proud to be a Triway-Shreve School and sports fan, always cheering on whatever team was playing and supporting school events. Golf was a sport Jim personally enjoyed.
With Jim's passion for God and Country came his greatest love -- his family. Jim married Zoe Ann Burnett on Oct. 19, 1958, and to this union they were blessed with daughters, Keely (Rod) Zemrock of Wooster and Debbie (John) Carmichael Crump of Ann Arbor, Mich. Zoe Ann passed Sept. 26, 1993. After Zoe's passing, Jim was again blessed in his marriage to Carolyn (Leedy) Vickers on May 27, 1995. She survives. With this union Jim became stepfather to Scott (Shawn) Vickers of North Canton, Tim (Alisa) Vickers of Danville and Rob Vickers, deceased. Also surviving are grandchildren, Matt (Megan) Meggyesy, Lindsay (Mike) Covey, Jamie Zemrock, Garrett Vickers, Grace Vickers and Gavin Vickers; great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Gage and Evelyn Meggyesy; and sisters, Ruth (Fred) Flinner of Clearwater, Fla., and Jane Carmichael of Wooster.
In addition to his first wife, his parents, brothers, Blaine and Larry Carmichael and a stepson, Rob Vickers, preceded him in death.
Jim was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, 222 E. Main St., Loudonville, where funeral services will be held Sunday, July 17 at 1:30 p.m., with Pastor Scott Henderson officiating. Immediately following services a luncheon and a time of fellowship will be held in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Shreve, where Wooster American Legion Post 68 will present military honors.
Calling hours will be Saturday, July 16 from 5-8 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers, that memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association, 1689 E. 115th St., Cleveland 44106; or Clinton Township Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 511, Shreve 44676; or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Schlabach Funeral Home, Shreve, is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at schlabachfh.com.
WOOSTER -- James F. Carmichael, 76, of Wooster, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, July 13, 2016, at his home. Wayne County lost a true patriot Wednesday with his passing. He will be greatly missed by many.
Jim was born July 18, 1939, in Washington, Pa. His parents were Floyd and Betty Carmichael, and he was a graduate of Shreve High School. Not long after graduation, Jim began a journey that turned into his life's passion of his love of God, country and family. He began this journey by proudly serving his country in the Ohio Army National Guard from 1959-64. From 1971-79 he became mayor of the Village of Shreve, during this time he was president of the Wayne County Mayors Association, president of Shreve Friends of the Library and was a member of Shreve Fire and Police Departments. Following this introduction to public service, Jim became a member of the Wayne County Board of Elections from 1980-99 and was chairman, 1989-99. At this time he also served as chairman of the Wayne County Republican Party 1981-2000.
In 2001, Jim was elected as a State Representative serving in the Ohio House of Representatives until 2009. He served as Assistant Majority Whip, Majority Whip and Assistant Majority Floor Leader; Chairman, House State Government Committee, which involved campaign finance reform; Chairman, Ohio House and Senate Cancer Caucus; introduced H.B. 262, modifying Ohio's election laws and assisting with the recruitment of poll workers and incorporating sweeping reform to bring Ohio in line with the Help America Vote Act (signed into law on May 7, 2004); sponsored H.B. 39, which requires serious sexually oriented offenders to comply with the state's sexual offender notification law for 20 years, by notifying state and neighbors within 1,000 feet; sponsored H.B. 9, which helped Ohio farmers in numerous ways; sponsored H.B. 297, which raised awareness of Lyme Disease in Ohio.
After leaving the House of Representatives, Jim was elected to serve as a commissioner for Wayne County 2009-present. He was involved in many organizations, committees and community affairs; one of particular interest was being a Merit Badge Counselor for Citizen in the Nation, Boy Scouts of America. Jim's leadership abilities were not limited to elected office, he spent 32 years working for what is now Dominion East Ohio Gas Company. He began reading meters and through hard work and dedication, he rose to be district manager for the Wooster region.
He also was very proud to be a Triway-Shreve School and sports fan, always cheering on whatever team was playing and supporting school events. Golf was a sport Jim personally enjoyed.
With Jim's passion for God and Country came his greatest love -- his family. Jim married Zoe Ann Burnett on Oct. 19, 1958, and to this union they were blessed with daughters, Keely (Rod) Zemrock of Wooster and Debbie (John) Carmichael Crump of Ann Arbor, Mich. Zoe Ann passed Sept. 26, 1993. After Zoe's passing, Jim was again blessed in his marriage to Carolyn (Leedy) Vickers on May 27, 1995. She survives. With this union Jim became stepfather to Scott (Shawn) Vickers of North Canton, Tim (Alisa) Vickers of Danville and Rob Vickers, deceased. Also surviving are grandchildren, Matt (Megan) Meggyesy, Lindsay (Mike) Covey, Jamie Zemrock, Garrett Vickers, Grace Vickers and Gavin Vickers; great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Gage and Evelyn Meggyesy; and sisters, Ruth (Fred) Flinner of Clearwater, Fla., and Jane Carmichael of Wooster.
In addition to his first wife, his parents, brothers, Blaine and Larry Carmichael and a stepson, Rob Vickers, preceded him in death.
Jim was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, 222 E. Main St., Loudonville, where funeral services will be held Sunday, July 17 at 1:30 p.m., with Pastor Scott Henderson officiating. Immediately following services a luncheon and a time of fellowship will be held in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Shreve, where Wooster American Legion Post 68 will present military honors.
Calling hours will be Saturday, July 16 from 5-8 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers, that memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association, 1689 E. 115th St., Cleveland 44106; or Clinton Township Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 511, Shreve 44676; or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Schlabach Funeral Home, Shreve, is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at schlabachfh.com.
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