James A. Bilimek

Ohio City

James A. Bilimek, 75, died at 5 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008, at Van Wert County Hospital, Van Wert.

He was born Oct. 26, 1932, in Delphos to Charles O. and Mildred Dunifon Bilimek, who preceded him in death. On Oct. 23, 1950, he married Mary "Betty" Murphy Thownsend, who survives in Ohio City.

Mr. Bilimek retired as a journeyman/leadman in the machine shop at Aeroquip Corp., after 37 years. He was an Ohio National Guard veteran serving during the Korean War and a Navy veteran serving aboard the USS Coral Sea. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and bowler. He enjoyed spending time with his family and painting. He loved to play cards.

Survivors also include eight children, Barb Thompson and C. James Bilimek, both of Van Wert, Richard Bilimek, of Middle Point, Chris (Gene) Allmandinger, of Glenmore, Ginny (Darryl) Ricketts and Mike (Dorothy) Bilimek, both of Rockford, Dede (Rick) Runyon, of Ohio City, and Joe (Connie) Bilimek, of Van Wert; 13 siblings, Margaret (Francis) Dixon, of Van Wert, Norma (Ray) Bayless and Bob (Betty) Bilimek, both of Maud, Texas, LeRoy (Marla) Bilimek, of Redwater, Texas, Tom (Oleta) Bilimek, Harold (Nan) Bilimek and Carl (Linda) Bilimek, both of Delphos, Pat Naylor, of Torbalinda, Calif., Doris Struzik and Cheryn (Don) Sidle, both of Van Wert, Judy (Nate) Wilder, of Dayton, and Cora (John) Theis, Kathy (Gig) Kimett and Betty Dickman, all of Delphos; and 34 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Dick Dickman.

Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Brickner Funeral Home, Van Wert. Father Mike Zacharias will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Ohio City.

Friends may call from noon to 8 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to services Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ohio City Fire & EMS Department or St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church.

Condolences may be expressed at www.bricknerfuneralhome.com.