James Donald “Don” Jolliff
James Donald “Don” Jolliff, 90 of Magnetic Springs, died peacefully Monday May 31, 2021, at the Monarch Skilled Nursing Center in Marysville.
He was born April 4, 1931, in Byhalia to the late Elmer G. and Martha Helen (Atkinson) Jolliff, he was also preceded in death by brothers: Bernard C. and Gerald E. (Bud) Jolliff, sisters: Juanita L. Battles, Virginia B. Croft and Iola Jane Stewart, granddaughter: Lorrie Lynn Clady.
Don’s love for the family farm was embedded throughout his life and he immediately took up the trade right out of high school. He graduated from the Leesburg-Magnetic High School in 1949. On November 2, 1951, he married Bernice Jean (Welch) just before he was stationed overseas with the United States Army during the Korean War. In April of 2016, he was honored to be able to take the Honor Flight, this was a true highlight for him, thanks to his guardian, Mike O’Neill.
Upon his return from his honorable discharge, he and his brother Bud, started what was the beginning of the Jolliff Brothers. Don and Bud farmed together for over 40 yrs., Don loved the land.
Also surviving along with his wife Bernice are their children: Donna (Bob) Clady of Richwood and Kathy Griffith of Bellefontaine.
Grandchildren: Holli (Eric) Musser, Morgan (Josh) Ream, Heather (Eric) Couch and Gaile (Jeremy) Gildow
Great grandchildren: Emily Musser, Paige Comer, Trent Comer, Colton Musser, Brett Gildow, Wade Gildow, Reed Comer, Gracelyn Couch and Lane Couch.
Sister: Sharon (Joseph) Robinson
Sisters-in-law: Leila Jolliff and Marcia Welch
Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as special friends he called family, Robin Paulson and Stacie Cook
Nothing pleased him more than being with family, watching his grandkids grow and supporting them in their 4-H careers and eventually traveling to many National FFA Conventions proudly cheering on his granddaughters. He always wanted an update on great grandchildren and their activities, offering praise and encouragement. After retiring from farming in 1996, Don was able to keep active in the family farm by creating his version of “Meals on Wheels”, preparing and delivering meals to those farming his land, Sam and Bill Foos, Matt Furer and Nick Martino. Also keeping his hands in the dirt, he poured himself in the raising beautiful annual flowers in the green house he constructed after retirement. Family, community friends and numerous friends he met at the Health Cardiac Rehab Center, among other establishments, were blessed with flowers he freely gave to brighten days and gardens. He will be remembered for this love of the beauty that flowers and farm fields brought.
Funeral services will be held Friday June 4, 2021 at 11:00 am at the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home in Richwood, Pastor Daniel O’Kane will officiate, burial will follow in the Hopewell Cemetery. There will be Military Honors given by the Richwood Area Veterans. Friends may call Thursday from 4-7 pm at the funeral home in Richwood. To watch the Livestream of the service open the Facebook app and like our page, or click here Watch the Livestream
Memorial gifts to honor Don’s Legacy may be made to the Union County Foundation. Checks should be made with the Don Jolliff Family Scholarship in the memo line. This scholarship will benefit a youth going into the field of agriculture.
Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com.
Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home