James Michael 'Jim' Gatchell

James Michael "Jim" Gatchell, age 79, of Carey, went to be with the Lord on Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, at home surrounded by his loving family following an extended illness. On Oct. 30, 1942, Jim was born in Marion, Ohio, the eldest of five children of the late James Avery and Gladys Evelyn (Phillipi) Gatchell. He was born while his father was serving in World War II, so his mother moved their family to Carey when he was an infant to be nearer to her family. He graduated from Carey High School in the class of 1961. Shortly following graduation, Jim enlisted to serve in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from January of 1964 to December of 1966. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, helping provide aid to those injured in the war. Under his honorable discharge, Jim returned home to Carey, where a grocery store clerk caught his eye, Linda Kelley. He was a young man with a quiet determination, going to the grocery store every day for at least a pack of gum, until he was able to get her to go that first date to the movies. From there, the rest is history. Jim and Linda were married on May 4, 1968, at Our Lady of Consolation Church in Carey. They shared fifty-three years of marriage, lovingly raising two children: James Thomas and Jennifer Ann. Working first at Sheck's Grocery in High School and after serving in the army, he became the produce manager for Great Scot Supermarkets, where he worked for twenty-eight years. Next, he worked on injection molds at Molten of Findlay for twelve years, until he retired in 2009. Jim was a faithful member of Our Lady of Consolation Church, where he served as an usher. An outdoorsman, Jim had a lifelong appreciation for nature. He enjoyed hunting, and would try and share the art of tracking animals with his children and grandchildren. He would plant a large vegetable garden every year to enjoy. He also loved to go fishing, casting a line in all of the local spots, another passion he loved to share with his grandchildren. Simply put, Jim was a good man. He took pride in being a great husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa, and they all appreciated his strong will and determination. He will be missed by his beloved wife, Linda Gatchell of Carey; two children: James Thomas Gatchell of Findlay, and Jennifer Ann Carter of Carey; six grandchildren: twins James L. and Kelly Gatchell, and Brandon, Aydian, Caitlyn, and Victoria Carter; four great-granddaughters: Emma and Molly Cox, and Avery and Rylee Gatchell; two brothers: Raymond Gatchell of Upper Sandusky, and Kenneth (Kathy) Gatchell of Carey; a sister, Cindy Gatchell of Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews. Including his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his oldest grandson, James "Jimmy" Gatchell; a great-granddaughter, Alainna Lennaye Cox; and a brother, David Gatchell. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022, at the Basilica of Our Lady of Consolation, 315 Clay St., Carey, with Rev. Xavier Goulet, OFM Conv, officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the Carey Honor Guard will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery in Carey. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dorcas Carey Public Library or to Bridge Home Health & Hospice, and they may be sent to the funeral home. On behalf of his family, they would like to extend a heartfelt "Thank you" to Bridge Hospice, Lori, Sherry and his care giver, Stefani. Your kindness will never be forgotten. Stombaugh-Batton Funeral Home in Carey is honored to serve Jim's family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.stombaughbatton.com