James R. Sager

James R. Sager

September 29, 1938 – September 25, 2023

James Ralph Sager, 84 of Deshler, Ohio passed away Monday morning, September 25, 2023 in the comfort of his home with the loving care of his wife, children and grandchildren.

He was born September 29, 1938 in Custar, Ohio to the late Ernest and Ethel (Feehan) Sager.  Jim was a 1956 graduate of Deshler High School where he enjoyed playing basketball and baseball.  He attended Tiffin University and graduated with a business degree in 1960. 

After graduating college, Jim returned to Deshler to work alongside his father in the family business of Sager Motor Sales.  In 1962 he enlisted in the Ohio Army National Guard and served his country for 6 years.  After his father’s death, the dealership continued under Jim’s leadership and overall the business operated for over 75 years. 

On October 6, 1962, he married Janet (Fronk) Sager at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Defiance.  Together Jim and Janet enjoyed a lifetime of adventures and served as a beautiful example of married life.  They were a social couple and enjoyed vacationing with friends and spending winters in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

Jim was a lifetime and faithful member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharistic minister and served on church council.  He was past president of the Deshler Chamber of Commerce; past board member of Henry County Senior Citizen Board; past member of the Deshler Lions Club and a 40 year member of the Corn City State Bank Board of Directors.

His contributions to his family and community are countless.  He will be remembered for his humble and generous nature that extended to anyone.  Along with his quick wit and sense of humor, Jim made any interaction uplifting and memorable.  He cared deeply about things, most importantly his family, and he expected nothing in return other than to leave things better for others.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Sager; son, Steven (Teresa) Sager; daughter, Susan (Brad) Myers; grandson, Anthony Sager; and granddaughters, Alexis Myers; Stevie Sager (Ryan Penny); Brooke (Trevor) Marsha; great granddaughter, Marlie; sister, Nancy Dillon and an immeasurable amount of family, dear friends and community who will forever be grateful for his impact on their lives.

He was preceded in death by a son, John; brother-in-law, Joe Dillon and his parents.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Deshler with Fr. Art Niewiadomski officiating.  Graveside services will follow in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Deshler.

Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023 at Feehan-Rodenberger Funeral Home, Deshler.

The family suggests memorials to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Deshler Edwin Wood Memorial Library or Bridge Hospice.

Messages and memories can be left for the family at www.feehanrodenbergerfuneralhome.com

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