James Charles Utz,

Age 86, formerly of Cisco Road, Fort Loramie, passed away of natural causes early Sunday morning, August 2, 2020, at his residence in Cridersville, Ohio. He was born May 12, 1934, in Fort Loramie, Ohio, to the late Charles & Alma (Zimmerman) Utz. On November 10, 1957, at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Sidney, Jim married Mary “JoAnn” (Schneider) Utz who preceded him in death on July 8, 2015. Surviving are three children, Debbie & Robert Caris of Westerville, Dave & Brenda Utz of New Bremen and Tom & Sherri Utz of Cridersville; eight of nine grandchildren: Jason & Crystal Caris, Kelly Caris, Katie Utz (dec.), Jeff & Elizabeth Utz, Tony & Kristina Utz, Kyle & Ashlee Utz, Nathan & Sandy Utz, Jeremy Utz, Jacob & Emily Utz and three step grandchildren, Tyler, Logan and Hannah Meeker as well as 16 great-grandchildren; three siblings, Joan & Adolf “Sonny” Meyer of Newport, Mike & Rita Utz of Fort Loramie, Betty Bayne of Sidney and a brother-in-law, Ron Silvers of Piqua. He was preceded in death by one sister, Mary Jean Utz and brothers & sisters-in-law, Richard Schneider and Barbara Silvers.

Mr. Utz served in the US Marine Corps during the Korean War. A machinist / tool maker, Jim was retired from E & E Machine in Sidney before owning and operating Midway Machine & Tool from his residence until fully retiring in 2015. Years ago, Jim had been employed at Wayne Trail in Fort Loramie. He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, the Fort Loramie American Legion and Newport Sportsman Club. In his leisure, Jim enjoyed fishing and interacting with his family. To them he was known as “Super Man” because he was handy to fix anything.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 AM, Thursday, August 6, 2020, at St. Michael Church in Fort Loramie with Rev. Steven Shoup presiding. Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday 4:00 to 7:00 PM and Thursday 9:00 to 10:00 AM at Gehret Funeral Home in Fort Loramie. Social distancing will be in practice at all funeral rites. Memorials may be made to CHP Home Care & Hospice or charities of choice. Private condolences may be expressed at www.gehretfuneralhome.com.