James "Jim" Becher

James "Jim" Becher, 85, of Wapakoneta, passed away at 5:30 AM, Sunday, June 9, 2024 at The Ohio State University Medical Center.  He was born on March 23, 1939 in Lima, to Leo and Matilda (Brown) Becher who preceded him in death.  On November 20, 1965, he married Sally A. Searfoss, who survives.  Together they shared over 58 years of marriage.

Survivors include three children, Beth Derringer, of Westerville, Kelly (John) Walburg, of Claremont, CA, and Jeffrey (Amy) Becher, of Wapakoneta; 8 grandchildren, Debra (Michael), Jonathan, Alex, Addison, Aubrey, Morgan, Mason, and Ethan; 3 great-grandchildren, Maria, Elena, and Wyatt; and his brother-in-law, Jerry (Carol) Searfoss, of Troy, MI.

James was preceded in death by a sister, Marlene Becher; and brother-in-law, James (Melanie) Searfoss.

Growing up on the family farm, Jim attended St. Joseph Catholic School, active in FFA and 4-H, showing Jerseys at the Auglaize County Fair.  A 1957 graduate of St. Joseph Catholic High School, Jim also spent his senior year taking over the family farm operations, after the passing of his father.  The life lessons learned on the family farm carried him throughout life.  He was dedicated to agriculture and promoted it tirelessly, as a 4-H member himself, then helping his children and his grandchildren with their projects.

Although farming was a major facet of his life, Jim was also active on many boards, taking his civic duties to his community seriously.  He was a member of the Auglaize County Fair Board, Wapak Farmers Grain Co-Op, Auglaize County Cattleman's Association, Auglaize County Board of DD, Duchouquet Township Zoning Appeals, St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, the Jaycees, K of C, and Eagles.  He was also a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

When not farming or in a meeting, Jim could be found bowling.  For the last six decades, Jim enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow farmer teammates at the Wapakoneta Recreational Lanes/Astro Lanes.  He will be remembered for his determined work ethic, love for tending the land and his animals, but most of all, his dedication to his family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 21, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church.  Father Sean Wilson will officiate and interment will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.  Family and friends may visit from to 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 20, 2024 at Schlosser Funeral Home & Cremation Services.  Memorial contributions may be directed to The Ohio State University James Cancer Center or St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wapakoneta.