James William Megginson

Centerville resident James W. Megginson passed away on June 18, 2011 at home with his family after a brief battle with cancer. Jim was born in Cincinnati, OH January 30, 1928 and was the son of the late Eva (Bolinger) and Percy C. Megginson. On Aug 25, 1950 he married his best friend and life-long love Mary Jean Canter. Jim was known for his quick wit, optimistic view of life, deep faith and devotion to his family and friends.

The former owner of Columbia Oil Company (Hamilton), Jim also served as President of the Ohio Petroleum Marketers Association in Columbus and was a director of the National Oil Jobbers Council in Washington DC. As a Dale Carnegie instructor (25 years), he was named Instructor of the Year (1978) and helped introduce the programs in the West Indies.

He served on the board of Directors of Junior Achievement, Youth for Christ, United Way, and was moderator and a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Hamilton. He was a 60 year member of the Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rite and an Air Force veteran stationed in Montgomery, AL during the Korean War.

Jim and Mary Jean were avid water skiers. He was 7 times Ohio Water Ski Overall Champion and won the Silver Medal in the 1966 National Jump Competition. He was the founding President of the Ohio Water Ski Association. After retiring to Boca Raton, FL in 1985 they enjoyed extensive travels to friends and family across the country as well as numerous international trips. They moved back to Ohio in 2004 to be closer to family.

Jim will be greatly missed by those whose lives he touched. Jim is survived by his wife Mary Jean; daughter Kim Megginson and her husband Brad Abbey of Kettering; son Jim and his wife Cindy Megginson of West Chester; granddaughter Caitlin Megginson and her fiance Ryan Nystrom of Cincinnati. He also leaves his brother Percy C. Megginson Jr. of California and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother George M. Megginson of Florida.

A Celebration of Jim's life will be held on Fri. July 1, 2011 at 6:00 pm at Fairfield Church of Christ, 745 Symmes Rd., Fairfield, OH. Visitation with the family will be held between 4:00 - 6:00 pm. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be sent to Normandy United Methodist Church (450 Alex Bell Rd., Centerville, OH 45459) or St. Leonard Foundation (8100 Clyo Rd., Centerville, OH 45458) in Jim's memory. The Avance Funeral Home & Crematory, Fairfield is serving the family. Condolences may be offered at www.avancefuneralhome.com

Visitation

Friday, July 01, 2011 between 4-6:00 pm at the Fairfield Church of Christ

Service

Friday, July 01, 2011 at 6:00 pm at the Fairfield Church of Christ