James Lester Barhorst,

Age 70, of S. Cleveland Street in Minster, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at his residence Wednesday morning, October 30, 2024.  He was born August 15, 1954, in Greenville, Ohio, to the late Richard & Cecilia (Monnin) Barhorst.  On April 3, 1976, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Osgood, Jim married Norma (Schmidt) Barhorst who survives.  Also surviving are two children, Aaron & Brenda Barhorst of Minster and Sara & Nathan Douglas of Aurora along with three grandchildren, Drew Hanes, Brielle Barhorst and John Douglas; five siblings: Larry & Doris Barhorst of Russia, Bob & Deb Barhorst of Minster, Diane & Tim McKee of Celina, Tom & Lori Barhorst of Russia and Elaine & Jim Barlage of Russia; sisters & brothers-in-law: Linda Barhorst of Kettering, Dorothy & Gene Schwartz of New Bremen, John & Kate Schmidt of Webster, FL, Richard Schmidt of Osgood, Mary & Joe Larger of Russia, Henry & Pam Schmidt of Yorkshire, Marge & Tom Eilerman of Versailles, Clete & Josie Schmidt of Minster and Helen & Brent Goins of Sidney as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by two brothers, Gene and infant, Johnny Barhorst; father & mother-in-law, Raymond & Viola (Prenger) Schmidt and a sister-in-law, Joni Schmidt.

Mr. Barhorst was a was a 1972 graduate of Russia High School.  In 2014, he retired from Van Wert Fire Equipment Co. where he had been a sales and service technician.  He was a member of the Minster Fraternal Order of Eagles, Minster Journeyman’s Club and the Lake Loramie Improvement Association.

Jim “JB” enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.  He loved listening to music and watching sports, especially the Ohio State Buckeyes, Cincinnati Bengals and the Cincinnati Reds.  Years ago, he had a blast playing softball with several area pub leagues.

Funeral Services will be 7:00 PM, Monday, November 4, 2024, at Gehret Funeral Home in Fort Loramie with Deacon Roger Klosterman presiding.  Family and friends may call from 4:00 PM until the hour of services.  Memorials may be made to the Lake Loramie Improvement Association or charities of choice.  Private condolences may be expressed at the gehretfuneralhome.com website.