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James R. Findlay, Sr.
October 20, 2013
James Robert Findlay, Sr., co-founder and former President of Impact Products, Inc. passed away peacefully in Hospice of NW Ohio on Sunday morning, October 20, 2013. He had been battling prostate cancer for many years.
Jim graduated from Scott High School in 1944 and enlisted in the Air Corps Cadet at Clemson University as WWII was winding down serving in Wichita Falls, Texas and Lowery Field in Denver, Colorado.
Jim was most known for his generosity and mentoring young people teaching many classes with his open door approach. He never turned anyone away whether at home or at the office and always gave advice backed up with his support. He loved watching the young people he mentored grow into adulthood continuing discussions with them, answering questions and offering advice.
One of Jim's passions was being Coach for softball, basketball and volleyball. He coached elementary school softball and he and his good friend, Bill Puckett coached for over 20 years at Glenwood Lutheran Church for which he credits to the success he achieved to his young leadership duties such as Boy Scout Leader and Cub Master of Troop 12. He also served Glenwood as Superintendent and Sunday School Teacher, Young People's Leader, Lutheran League and Church Council President.
Jim's other passion was the University of Toledo. He loved being involved with many facets especially the Business College, Athletic Department as well as the Katherine Eberly Center for Women. He co-founded along with Dick Anderson, Cleve Delps, Sr. and Richard Gross the University of Toledo Family Business Center. Jim was honored with the Blue & Gold T award from the University. One of his proudest honors given by the University of Toledo was his Honorary Doctorate in 2002. Jim and his late wife Celia were also honored by the University by naming the Scott Park Athletic Complex for softball, baseball and soccer The Findlay Athletic Sports Complex.
Jim was also very involved with Lourdes University sitting on the Advisory Board as an advisor to the President, Bob Helmer. He was also involved with the Business college. Jim was instrumental in bringing Broadway Star Tim Shue and others to entertain for their Fundraiser, Illuminations. Jim was very proud to receive an honorary Doctorate from Lourdes University in 2009.
Jim was also recognized from his peers to receive the Philanthropy award, Entrepreneur of the Year award locally and went on to contend for the National award in Phoenix and the Jefferson Award which he was presented in Washington, DC where his friend Marcy Kaptur flew the American Flag over the Whitehouse in his honor. Marcy Kaptur recently gave accolades to Jim during the Congressional Hearings which aired on CSPAN which he was so very touched by.
Jim showed his generosity by giving his time and supporting philanthropy to Flower Hospital. He was Co chair raising $3,000,000 for the Eberly Cancer Center plus $1,300,000 for the Goerlich Alzheimer Center. He helped in many fundraisers such as the Boy Scouts, Sylvania Athletics and the YMCA. Jim also supported UT Camp Adventure, Mom's House, Lutheran Homes Society, House of Emmanuel, Medical Mission, Lutheran Social Services, Flower Hospital Board, UT National Youth Sports and the Toledo School of Arts.
Jim worked for the City of Toledo as Chief Civil Services Examiner and was Distributor Relations Manager for National Laboratories. Jim co founded with Jim Lower Impact Products, Canberra Corporation, and Fresh Products. Jim also founded Ad Sensations, an Advertising Specialty Company which again supported UT selling wearable products at football and basketball games and at the area malls.
One of Jim's most generous acts was to share with his employees through ESOP the proceeds of the sale of Impact Products . After Impact Products was sold, Jim formed his last company with his beloved children, Findlay Business Partners, Ltd. which is a commercial leasing business.
Jim enjoyed and loved to share his beloved farm near Hillsdale, Michigan which he founded in 1979. With its beautiful rolling hills, covered bridge, and his beloved horses and Hereford cows, he and Celia entertained many friends with horseback riding, boating, swimming and just relaxing. They also hosted the Boy Scouts on weekends helping them earn Merit Badges. Jim enjoyed harness racing and competed over 30 years with his friend and trainer, Phil Doty.
Jim also enjoyed vacationing at his home in Ft. Myers, FL with his family and friends where he enjoyed playing tennis with the many friends he met over the past 30 years.
Jim was married for 55 years to his beautiful wife, high school sweetheart and homecoming queen, Celia who proceeded him in death. He is survived by his loving children, Jim Jr. (Cindy), Sarah (Jack) Hohman, and Jon, Sr. (Linda); his beloved twin grandchildren, Allison and Jonathan Jr.; sister, Mary (Don) Root of Fort Myers, FL; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Hazel (Dunham) Findlay and brother, Paul.
Visitation will be on Saturday, October 26, 2013 from 10:00am until 3:00pm at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey Rd.). Funeral services will be at 3:00pm on Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Glenwood Lutheran Church, 2545 Monroe St. Toledo, OH. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lutheran Home Services, 131 N. Wheeling Toledo, OH 43605, the Findlay Youth Fund, 2801 Bancroft Toledo, OH 43606 or the Celia Findlay Education Scholarship Fund (please use same address as the Findlay Youth Fund).
Jim's family would like to thank Hospice of Northwest Ohio and his many caregivers, especially Pamela Schaefer, who was his constant companion and caregiver.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Valenda Newell
January 1, 2017
I just found out about Jim's passing and I am so sad! I was hoping to marry him someday! Lol. Who wouldn't want to be with such a sweet, loving, generous, perfect man as him! I feel lucky to have known him and Celia. Together again you two.
Cindy Eberhardt
April 17, 2014
I was lucky enough to have a chance meeting with Mr. Findlay at Panera bread a couple years ago during an ice storm. we were the only two people there. he put his hand on my shoulder and said "what are you doing out in this young lady?" we struck up a conversation and i truly felt that i met him for a reason, unsure of what that was. he spoke so fondly of his wife and since it was close to xmas, i returned a short time later with a small poinsettia for him. he was on a business call, so i tried to put the flower down and leave and he grabbed my hand and held it till he was done with his call. i told him that i didn't think his wife would want him to be without poinsettias at xmas. it made him smile which was enough thanks for me but he reached into his planner and gave me a giftcard to bravo and said to take my family to dinner on him. today i was looking for his address to drop off a poinsettia and sadly i found that he had passed and i wept. i only wish i had connected with him again if only to get his advice on entrepreneurship as i have that spirit in me and was always planning to ask for his advice on the process and how to ensure success. he sent me his book and signed it, mentioning my poinsettia gift and how nice it was. i admired him for how he wrote so lovingly about his wife and just thought, that is every woman's dream. now and forever i will always think of him when i look at poinsettias and i will get one every year in his honor. ironically i still have the one from last year and was thinking it was still alive because it was waiting to be given to him. i will make sure he gets it. god bless you jim and thank you for touching my life on that cold, icy day.
melinda keene
December 4, 2013
I just found out today that Jim will no longer be on the sidelines cheering on the TU teams. Jim, Jon, Linda, Sarah, Allie and Jonathan my deepest sympathy. Jim was an exceptional man and loved by many. Toledo and lots of other will miss him.
Veda Bell
Veda Bell
November 13, 2013
What a great man He lived a wonderful life
Chris Termuhlen
November 8, 2013
Jon, Linda, Jonathan and Allie,
Jim was one of a kind! So blessed to have known him. My deepest sympathy to all of you. What a great legacy he left.
Love, DiAnn
DiAnn Hillesland
October 27, 2013
Jim, you will be dearly missed. I enjoyed our times together- working with other family businesses as advisors; working on your "Book" which was a great tribute to you, Celia and your life's accomplishments; and of course, working with you and your team at Impact Products on numerous product catalogs. You were a great man and the world is a better place because of you.
Scott Gray
October 27, 2013
So sorry for your loss....your Dad will always be remembered as the great man he was.
Joe Dowling
October 26, 2013
So sorry to hear of Jim passing. He was such a kind man. Always had a smile and was always so wonderful to us! God bless your family in this hard time.
Joe and Carol Grant
October 25, 2013
Mr Findlay, you will be dearly missed. You were one of the kindest, most sincere people I have ever had the privilege of meeting and you always put a smile on my face when you would come book your travel.
Shannon Collum OHT Travel Group
October 25, 2013
God puts people in our paths for reasons that only come to light later. Meeting Jim "by chance" on a Delta flight coming back from a business trip was truly a blessing. We had many robust discussions over the years. We treasured the friendship and times together in our Michigan, Ohio and Florida visits. Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family and to PJ. It was a joy to see Jim and PJ enjoy life.
God's peace. Colleen and Dennis Fadden
October 25, 2013
Jim Findlay was a very special man. He changed our community for the better and I was honored to work with him on the Sylvania Athletic campaign where he taught me about honor, integrity and living life to the fullest. May you rest in peace Jim, and may the love of friends surround PJ and your family as we all celebrate your life. Heaven gained a marvelous angel.
Jeanette Hrovatich
October 24, 2013
To PJ, Cindy, and the Findlay Family,
We are so sorry for your loss of this remarkable gentleman. We first met him at a UT football game and when you think of UT, Jim will always come to mind. Through our friend PJ, we got to know Jim on a more personal note. His daughter-in-law, Cindy kept us up to date while volunteering for Maumee Valley Save-A-Pet. May his memories and legacy stay in your hearts forever.
Ron & Bev Martin Holland, OH
October 24, 2013
Jim, Sarah and Jon,
Your father was a wonderful person and cared about everyone he had contact with. He was responsible for sending me to Fresh Products from which I retired 26 years later. The early years of having parties at Impact created wonderful memories.
Judy Anderson
October 24, 2013
Jim. Sarah and Jon,
We were so sorry to hear about your Dad. He will be missed by all. We have many wonderful memories of the "good old days" on Woodridge.
We wish we could be there with you at this time, but as we are in S.C. it isn't possible. We do want you to know that our love and prayers are with all of you and your families.
Joe and Sandy Belinske
October 24, 2013
Jim, Sarah and Jon,
I thank each of you for every moment I was able to share with your Dad. He was such an inspiration to me and my family. I will honor his legacy by meeting the needs of my family first, by serving others, by remaining humble, and by honoring my friends.
Marcus Goodwin
October 23, 2013
Through your son and grandchildren I feel like I know a piece of you as they spoke of you often and fondly. You will be missed by them. My sympathies to Jon and his family for their loss but may the memories you, grandfather and father, left bring continued smiles to their faces.
Michele Henson
October 23, 2013
Jon, Sarah & Jim & all that loved Jim
Please accept my deepest condoleces. As you well know, your father was business colleague, a true mentor for my many years as a sales rep for Impact Products and more than anything, a dear friend. I'll miss him too.
Gary Peterson-Cincinnati, OH
October 23, 2013
I met Mr. Findlay at a tennis match. He gave me one of his autobiography books with his signature. What an encouraging life and sense of humor as he shared with me his first time being Googled by a date. He was a wonderful and inspiring individual.
Jone C
October 23, 2013
Mr. Findlay you will be missed. You were honored and respected by so many and loved by many more! Every life you touched is part of your legacy. I will never forget your kindness and your generosity. You were an amazing person.
To Jim, Sara and Jon: I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a mentor to many and a good man with tough footsteps to follow.
Patt Pruden Nicols
October 23, 2013
It was because of Jim's influence that Tom went into business for himself. Jim was like a father to Tom. With my condolences.....Kathy Hooker
Kathy Hooker
October 23, 2013
The Findlay family was like bark on my family tree. Jim left many fingerprints on my development. He was creative, smart, generous and caring. Our family was less well off and that never mattered to Jim. His goodness will live on.
Dr. Lowell Mays
October 23, 2013
Our condolences from the Barchick family.
Chuck, Sue and family Barchick
October 23, 2013
From my days of playing basketball for Mr. Findlay at Glenwood, to sharing time with Jon and the Findlay family at their home or at the farm, I have had nothing but respect for the man. I always marveled at Mr. Findlay's energy and enthusiasm and always enjoyed my time in his presence. His wisdom and compassion to all will be missed. I extend my sympathy to Jon, Jim, Sarah and the family and know that they will always draw strength from the lives of their mother and father.
Rob Brancheau
October 23, 2013
Dear Jon,Sarah,and Jim, please accept our deepest condolences, It has been a privilege knowing your father and mother throughout the years.
Gregory and Christine Lehman
October 23, 2013
On behalf of the entire Brancheau family, I want to express our sincere condolences for your loss. We all had so much fondness and respect for Jim (to mom and dad) and Mr. Findlay to the rest of us. Few people leave such an impressive legacy. He truly touched so many lives. We hold you close in thought and prayer at this difficult time. He will be missed!
Carol Fornof
October 23, 2013
Kris and I extend our deepest sympathy to the whole family. The zeal for life that Jim had was unmatched. He enjoyed the things most take for granted. He leaves a legacy behind that anyone would be proud of!
Tom Shook
October 23, 2013
Rest In peace, Coach.
Gene Bell
October 23, 2013
To the Family of Mr. Findlay,
My sincere condolences on the passing of your dad and uncle. I have fond memories of the house on Gunckel and the many activities at Glenwood. The church will not be the same. He led by example and was terrific at it. Thinking of you.
Debby Goodman Harrison
October 22, 2013
Mr. Findlay, Wow, what a remarkable man, mentor, supporter and encourager. He has truly been a blessing to me, my brother Marcus Goodwin and our families, we will always be eternally grateful to the Findlay family for sharing your father, grand-father and brother with us at the House of Emmanuel for many years.
May the Lord bless your family and keep you during this time.
Sincerely,
Warwick Goodwin
October 22, 2013
What an amazing man and role model. I am so proud to be his niece and will miss him. Love you Uncle Jim. RIP
Marcia Pinkstaff
October 22, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss. Uncle Jim was a wonderful person and did so much for so many. We will all miss him. Our prayers are with you.
Bonnie Bailey
October 22, 2013
so sorry for your loss, It was my pleasure to be able to work with Mr.Findley and Mrs. PJ with Visiting Angels, Very blessed to be a part of his life for a few short weeks. He will be sadly missed..
Deanna Eckhart
October 22, 2013
I have worked at Impact Products for almost 20 yrs. And I have never meant a more caring and generous man.Always thinking of others first, he always made me feel like family at Impact(that was how Impact was back then a family company.. you will be missed.Thoughts & prayers to all the family.
Judy Nye
October 22, 2013
We met Jim several years ago, through our dear friend, Pamela. Jim's kindness touched our daughter when her husband passed last year, and will never be forgotten. Rest in the Peace and love of the Almighty. Your work here is complete and you will live on.
Rose and Chuck Nagle
October 22, 2013
So sorry to hear of Mr. Findlay's passing. I have many fond memories of Jim during my time at Impact Products. He will be missed. My condolences go out to Jim, Jon, Sarah and the rest of the family.
Robert Norris
October 22, 2013
Mr Findlay -
I am so greatful to have met you and been a part of your work team for over 20 years. Thanks for noticing me on the softball bench that day. You have made an Impact in my life. God Bless you and your family, forever.
Carolyn & Mike Helminiak
October 22, 2013
Jim was a fantastic and generous human being! I can only hope to carry on just a tiny bit of the legacy of a great man!
Stephen sterling
Stephen Sterling
October 22, 2013
To the Findlay Family,
We are saddened to hear of Jim's passing. His legacy will live on through many family business members that knew him from UT's Center for Family Business as well as the charities he would invite members to get involved in.
We will miss his smile.
Peggy and Malcolm Richards
October 22, 2013
I am sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of Mr. Findlay, his big, contagious laugh and the fun I had on the farm. I am blessed to have known him.
Sarah Moya (Chovanec)
October 22, 2013
Jon & Linda - We are truly sorry for your loss.
Scott & Colleen Duncan
October 22, 2013
I have so many memories of Uncle Jim throughout my life, that I feel truly blessed. He was an inspiration to me and a beckon of light as I started a business in 2009. I remember the stories of how he started his and the drive it took to succeed.
He was the one who when I fell off his horse, Lady, he said you have to get back on or you will always be scared. I got back on reluctantly and fearful (pretty sure I gave a few whines), but I never feared a horse and enjoy riding. I had survived my first fall.
As we go through life we survive many falls and sometimes we are helped back up by others. To me, Uncle Jim was one of the many who taught me to work hard, push to succeed and fight when obstacles seem to bar the way.
You will be missed.
Suzanne Hakeos
October 22, 2013
Barbara Eckenroth
October 22, 2013
Jim & Cindy we are so sorry for your loss , the difficult time your having now but always keep the memory and love alive in your hearts.
Pat& dandy's
October 22, 2013
So sorry to the findley family I worked at impact products for 11 years he was a very nice man
Richard Parrish jr
October 22, 2013
Mr. Findlay will be missed by many friends and family. It has been a privilege knowing him and being part of his Impact family. My prayers are being sent to all his family.
Rebeca Garza
October 22, 2013
So sorry to hear of Mr. Findlay's passing. He was a remarkable person and boss who always believed in me. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family. We all have wonderful memories of him.
Susan Buel
October 22, 2013
So sorry to read about Mr Findlay's passing. He was always interested in me and my family, and I always looked forward to chatting with him. He was also very generous when he came into Charlie's Pizza for dinner with his family. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Paula Daugherty
Paula Daugherty
October 22, 2013
WHAT A TRUE PERSON AND BOSS I TRULY MISS HIM AND HIS INTEGRITY. HE MADE A DIFFERENCE IN MY LIFE CHARLOTTE FOX
October 22, 2013
My father and his siblings grew up "across the alley" from the Findlay's. When I met Mark Findlay (Jim's nephew) in high school, my dad was glad to know I knew someone from such a quality family. Mr. Findlay was a great inspiration and a wonderful member of the UT community. My prayers go out to the family.
Ellen (Wretschko) Hitchins
October 22, 2013
To Sarah, Jim & Jon: As you grieve know that we are remembering you and honoring the memory of your father. Our deepest heartfelt condolences.
Niki Casteel & Daryl Flowers
October 22, 2013
Jim was a devoted brother and always thinking of others. His life was exemplary and a role model for all. We are proud to be sister and brother-in-law We love you,Jim. Mary(Sis) and Don
October 22, 2013
Mr. Findlay, a modern day hero, compassionate, loving and uplifting. Thank GOD for you and Mrs. Findlay, our love and blessings to the Findlay family.
Kevin & Karla Coburn
October 22, 2013
Jim is a true gentleman. I enjoyed his friendship over the past decade and working with him at ProMedica. Our prayers to his family.
Jim Ravas
October 22, 2013
Jim, Sarah and Jon;
We are all deeply sadden and know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Remembering the Sunday afternoon football games on your front lawn.
Rick Dunholter
October 22, 2013
Jim was always thinking of others first, and he epitomized the values of what we teach in our UT Business program that all businesspersons should aspire to. He was a great soul, and I'm sorry he is gone.
Dale Dwyer
October 21, 2013
What a generous and loving soul. Thank you for believing in me. Our lives are truly richer for your passing through them. May your children be blessed by your legacy of love.
Bill & Susie Bollin
October 21, 2013
We were truly blessed with Jim's friendship and will miss him so much. Our caring thoughts and prayers are with his loving family and PJ.
"Brother" Dave and Pat Beckman
October 21, 2013
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