James R. Kevelder

James R. Kevelder, age 74, of Fairfield, loving father and friend to all, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2004 at Hospice of Hamilton, with his children by his side. Born on August 9, 1929 in Lima, OH, he was the son of Edward and Ruth Kevelder. He graduated in 1947 from Libbey High School, Toledo, OH. James served his country in the US Army from 1951-1956, with an Honorable Discharge as Sergeant. He married Mary Ann Klein, his wife of 45 years, in Swanton, OH on August 28, 1954. Jim enjoyed boating, golfing and spending time with his family.

Jim began his career as an electrical lineman for High Voltage Systems in Toledo. He moved to Fairfield in 1980 as a district manager for L.E. Myers and retired form Henkels and McCoy in Cincinnati in 1995. He was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union 71.

He is survived by his children, Kathy (Markus) Spitzer of Tucker, GA, Mike (Laurie) Kevelder of Hanover Township, and Debbie (John) Tillery of Pensacola, FL; brother, Leonard (Dawn) Kevelder of Akron, OH; grandsons, Lukas, Derek and Jakob Spitzer and Corbin Tillery. James was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann on June 9, 2000; and brothers, Harold and Richard Lewis.

A memorial service will be 2 p.m., Saturday, January 31, 2004 at the Avance Funeral Home & Crematory, 4976 Winton Rd., Fairfield. The family will receive friends also on Saturday from 1 p.m. - until the time of service at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Hamilton, 896 NW Washington Blvd., Hamilton, OH 45013. The family will accept condolences at www.avancefuneralhome.com.