Photo courtesy of N. J. Hogenkamp Sons, Inc. - Coldwater
Coldwater, Ohio
Oct 18, 1950 – Jul 6, 2025
James Tesno was born in Dayton, Ohio to Gertrude (Zimmerman) and Russell Tesno and departed this Earth on July 6th, 2025 in St. Marys, Ohio with his hand on Rip’s head. Rip is his beloved dog, named after the dog in “The Hunt,” a Twilight Zone episode where a hunting dog leads an old man away from Hell and into Heaven.
He is survived by his daughter, Theresa Tesno, his stepchildren, Amy and JR and their children, who he considered as his own. He is also survived by his sister Mary (Fred) Drakesmith. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Katherine Tesno, sister Barbie Tesno, and wives, Susan and Ann Tesno. He is both survived and preceded by more people he loved and cherished than anyone could ever count.
Jim graduated from St. Agnes and Chaminade in Dayton, then from The Ohio State University, and after that, attained his law degree from Ohio Northern University. He has many accolades, was on the board or held office for many varied organizations, and meant a lot to a lot of different people. Jim was an unassuming man, equally effective in a court room as on a fishing boat, thoroughly masterful at walking into the Supreme Court as he was at walking on water. The most important thing about Jim was he was a man who valued substance over flash and detested pretension. He is an unassuming heavy-hitter, who cared much more about who someone was as a person than their list of accomplishments. He had many accomplishments, and would not want them enumerated here. He was extremely sentimental, saying he always hated funeral flowers because when they die, it is like losing the person all over again.
Visitation will be at Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Coldwater, Ohio on Thursday July 10, 2025 from 2PM-8PM and also Friday from 9A-10A. This is followed by the processional to Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Montezuma for funeral mass, burial, and luncheon at 10:30. Please come and celebrate this fisher of men and man the fish all feared.
Read MoreJim was a very good friend, we went fishing in Canada more than once. He loved the outdoors and always shared his love for it. I could always count on a phone call from Jim, on Veterans Day, he would thank me and all Veterans for their service. I will always remember him for his kindness.
George Ranly
July 11, 2025 | Dunkirk, MD | Friend
Mary, I never met your brother, but felt like I knew him. You talked about him much over the years and I know he was special in you life. I think over time, you will understand he is at peace now as I have with losses in my life.
Much love to your family.
Jane and Joel Moerschel / Gordon
July 10, 2025 | Naples, FL
I just can't...
I can't believe Jim didn't tell me how bad his health really was, while showing his concern for mine, obviously while he was suffering. Over the last year, we kept planning to get together for another dinner, although my health and his fishing trips kept getting in the way.
We didn't realize, until recently, that he knew my Mother-in-law, Harriet, through his former Brother-in-law, Deane Armour. It's such a small world.
Jim was my attorney, and...
Renee Drumm
July 10, 2025 | OH | Friend
We didn't stay in touch in our adult years, but I have so many fond memories of Jim from our days at Club Island when we were kids. They are happy memories, which I will always cherish.
I extend my deepest sympathy to Theresa, Mary and all of Jim's family. You've endured so much loss and I pray that God will give you comfort, healing and peace in the days ahead. May Jim be resting in God's eternal kingdom, one that is far more glorious than we can ever imagine. ❤
Mary Jo Shockley
July 10, 2025 | Winchester, IN | Friend
We are sending our condolences to the family of Jim. Jim was a very dear friend to our father (Larry Allen) for a number of years. He had always been supportive and helpful to him. We are forever grateful for his kindness. We wish you peace in your time of mourning. Karen (Allen) and Colin Fowler.
Karen Allen Fowler
July 10, 2025 | Friend
Book is almost ready to go to print thank you for your part in the Club island HISTORY SHIRLEY KNOX
Shirley Knox
July 10, 2025 | Neighbor
Teresa,
Jenny, John, and I are so sorry for the loss of both your parents so closely together. That kind of loss is unfathomable. We hope you are able to continue on and live the life they wanted you to live. Think of your parents and Katherine and know that they love you, as do we.
Taffy Lake
Kathleen Lake
July 09, 2025 | Celina, OH | Friend
a unique person in more respects than I can say-an accomplished student of the law and never shied away from anything for his clients-he will be missed-I learned a lot about life and the law-show us all the way for the trip we all must take- I hope to meet you and converse again JWS
john sacher
July 09, 2025 | CELINA, OH
Remembered By
john sacher
July 09, 2025 | CELINA, OH | Student
