James C. Leibold

James C. Leibold, 77, of Richwood, died Thursday, March 24, 2005, at Community Nursing Center in Marion.
He attended Buckeye Boys State and was a 1945 graduate of LaRue High School, where he was salutatorian of his class. Mr. Leibold worked at various jobs, including at Marion Motor Products. Honda and Big Bear, but his lifelong work and passion was farming. He was a dairy and grain farmer for more than 30 years and often said he never felt closer to God than out on a tractor. He was devoted to serving Christ and was a dedicated member of Fulton Creek Evangelical Friends Church, where he served as elder, Men-in-Mis-sion representative, Sunday School teacher and superintendent and wherever he was needed.
He was past president of the Claibourne PTA, served on the Marion County Dairy Board, Prospect Farmers Exchange Board of Directors and took interest in many community civic affairs. He wrote several letters to the editor at the Marion Star which many people remarked about reading. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends for his joyful laughter and generosity.
He was born June 18, 1927, in Ostrander to the late John and Ethel Dodge Leibold. He also was preceded in death by two brothers, John W. and William F. Leibold.
He married Ruth J. Redd on Dec. 4, 1949, at LaRue United Methodist Church and she survives. He also is survived by his children, Stephen R. Leibold of Byhalia, Sandra S. (Paul) Cook of Adrian, Mich., Carol L. (Keith) Sarbaugh of Zanesville, Joyce E. (Patrick) Kibler of Wilmington, Judith K. Crabtree (Kenton Cunningham) of Delaware, and Jill E. Leibold of Prospect; 15 grandchildren; one stepgrandson; five great-grandchildren; one step-great-grandaughter; a brother, Dean Leibold of Westerville; a sister. Dorothy Allen of Canal Winchester; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Visiting hours will be Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. at Stofcheck Funeral Home, Richwood. Funeral services will be held Monday at 11 a.m. with pastor Joe Kirby officiating. Burial will be in Price Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Fulton Creek Evangelical Friends Church, 10950 Fulton Creek Road, Richwood, Ohio 43344.

Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home