James J. Duerler

James John Duerler, 86, husband of Patty Duerler, father of Susan (Brian) Cook, Julie (Chris) Glista and Stephen (Venus) Duerler, and brother of Dave (Micky) Duerler, and many beloved nieces and nephews, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Monday, April 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, and dear friends. James was preceded in death by his loving wife, Patricia Ann Duerler, his parents, Fred (Fritz) and Dorothy Duerler, brother, Fred Duerler, and sister, Anne Williamson.

James was a hardworking and respected employee. He began his career in the finance department at Huntington Bank. While earning his bachelor’s degree in finance from Franklin University, he worked in the factory at the General Motors plant. He found this provided more income for his growing family and retired after 35 years. In his later years, James often asked for prayers for mental strength at work, showing us his faith in God through prayer and empowering us as prayer warriors.

Most important to James was being active in sharing the love of Jesus by doing good for others. He had a servant’s heart for helping family, friends, and neighbors with anything that needed done from buying groceries and delivering them, to taking care of a grandchild, to mowing grass in hot weather, to writing and sending encouraging cards, chopping vegetables for a family gathering, and cleaning anything that needed cleaning. There wasn’t any job that was too lowly or too hard that he wouldn’t tackle. He also enjoyed teaching Sunday School for 24 years in the children’s department and served as treasurer for several years at Livingston United Methodist Church. He read his Bible daily along with annotating scripture. His desire to serve others and commitment to being thorough with a humble heart made the community a better place and gave him purpose.

James loved his family and living an active life, as expressed by his enduring love for Patricia, his wife of 58 years, and the simple joys they shared together; such as going to church every Sunday, swimming laps at the YMCA pool, lending a helping hand to family, soaking in the sun, going to the Grove City Library, riding his bike to the Byers car dealership, driving the winding roads of West Virginia, and for many winters walking on Siesta Key Beach in Florida. Jim's children (Susan, Julie, and Stephen), grandchildren (Justin, Alec, Ella, and Caroline), and great grandchildren (Elijah, Charlotte, and Isaiah) enjoyed his dedication, humble and giving spirit, and his sense of humor. He always wanted family and neighbors to feel loved by his acts of kindness and the small gifts of apple cider, corn on the cob, beets, and granola bars. He also carried these items when he “ran errands” to hand out to people at the grocery store, bank, and doctor’s office. What a treasure.

James’s family and friends will celebrate his life on Monday, May 4, 2026, with visitation from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., with Celebration of Life Service to follow at 12:00 p.m. at GRAUMLICH FUNERAL HOME, 1351 S. High St., Columbus, Ohio 43207, with Rev. Patricia Iddings officiating. In lieu of flowers, James's family asks for donations to be sent to your local food pantry. To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.graumlichfuneralhome.com

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