James D. Keller Sr.

James D. Keller Sr., age 86, of Castalia, died Monday morning, March 2, 2020, in his residence, following a brief illness.

He was born December 31 ,1933, in Castalia, and graduated from Margaretta High School in 1952.  In 1961, James graduated from Auctioneer school in Kankakee, IL, and in his spare time called auctions around the area.  He married his high school sweetheart Joyce A. (Smith) Keller.  James worked at Borchardt Construction for several years and then joined the laborers union during the construction of Davis Besse and continued working in the union for almost 15 years. He was a farmer his whole life (both dairy and grains) and worked on the farm until the death of his son in 2006.  He was an active member of the Margaretta Boosters Club during his children’s high school years and he loved to attend all of his grandchildren’s sporting events.

Besides family, his greatest love was his draft horses.  He would travel to all local fairs and out of state fairs to pull his horses.  He won many awards for Horse Pulling and was very proud of his teams; especially his team of “Bill and Ted” who won the 1982 World Draft Horse Championship. 

He is survived by two daughters Kathy (Bill) Bohn and Linda (Rex) Gary; nine grandchildren Andy and Kevin Bohn, Karyn Bohn Barnette, James Keller III, Jeff Keller, Bethanne Keller, Rebecca Keller, Janet Gary Sornberger, and Craig Gary, 15 great grandchildren; brother Ted Keller; two sisters Helen Mohlman and Rita Wammes; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

James was preceded in death by his wife Joyce (Smith) Keller; son James D. Keller Jr.; parents Ralph and Christine (Kromer) Keller; two brothers Ralph and Joe Keller; and three sisters RoseAnne Manner, Mary Bradford, and Margaret Zieber.

Friends may call from 5-8 PM Friday, March 6, 2020, at Ransom Funeral & Cremation Service, 610 S. Washington St., Castalia, and from 9:30AM until time of  Mass at 10 AM  Saturday, March 7, 2020, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 429 Central Ave. Sandusky.  Rev. Jeff Walker will officiate.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Commons of Providence (Memory Unit) 5000 Providence Dr. Sandusky, OH 44870, Margaretta Booster Club, 209 Lowell St. Castalia, OH 44824, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 429 Central Ave. Sandusky, OH 44870, or to One’s favorite charity.  Online condolences and gifts of sympathy may be shared with the family by visiting www.ransomfuneralhome.com.

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