James Carder

LIMA -- With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of James Frank Carder, 78, of Lima, Ohio. Jim passed away at his home on September 24, 2024. He was born on April 10, 1946 along with his identical twin, Jerry, to Orville and Clara (Topp) Carder who preceded him in death. Jim was united in marriage to Lois Shumaker, his high school sweetheart, on June 28, 1968.

Jim was raised in Delphos on Fifth Street next to the railroad tracks, a home he always cherished. He was a Delphos St. John Blue Jay and later attended Findlay College. After graduating, he accepted a position at Lima Central Catholic and held many roles in his career: the Dean of Students, Athletic Director, and beloved driver's ed teacher. He also coached basketball and was the head golf coach. Being a DSJ Blue Jay, an LCC T-Bird and U of F Oiler always made Jim extremely proud. Jim ultimately retired from the Lima City Schools in 1999, after 31 years in education.

At the age of three, Jim developed a fierce passion for the game of basketball. He and his twin brother, known as the Carder Twins, had a reputation for their quickness, agility, and extraordinary sense of where the other was on the court, especially during a fast break. Some of his achievements include inductions into the Delphos St. John's, The University of Findlay, The Hancock County, Ohio Basketball and the NAIA Basketball Halls of Fame. He was inducted into the LCC Wall of Fame and also received the Robert Arnzen Longevity Award for coaches.

Jim was an administrator of the Lima/Allen County Men's City Golf Tournament. He earned a spot in their Hall of Fame for his years of dedication and service. He was also an honorary chairman of the Lima Junior Golf Association, where he was the tournament director. Jim spent many summers working in the Pro Shop at Shawnee Country Club.

Jim strived to live with integrity and was known for making meticulous lists. He was a hard worker, dedicated and compassionate. He was a man of great faith and his most precious and greatest love was for his family.

Surviving are his two children: Kara (Tom) Bussard of Dublin and Matt (Sue) Carder of Toledo; his four grandsons Joshua, Tommy, Tyler, & Jesse; his daughter-in-law Jodi Carder of Wapakoneta; his twin brother Jerry (Diana) and his younger brother Ken (Lisa) Carder of North Carolina. Other surviving in-laws include Richard (Joann) Roth of Roscoe, IL and Dr. James T. Schmit of Celina, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his son, Todd Carder; his grandson, Jason Carder; his sister-in-law, Susan Schmit, and father and mother-in-law, Ralph and Florence (Haunhorst) Shumaker.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, October 4, 2024 at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Shawnee Chapel, where a Parish Wake Service will be held at 7:00 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, where the family will receive friends at the church for one hour prior to the Mass with Fr. Kent Kaufman officiating.

Interment will be in St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Delphos immediately following the service.

A special thanks to family, friends, neighbors, Fr. Kent Kaufman and Mercy Health Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in memory of James Carder to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Mercy Health Hospice, Delphos St. John's or Lima Central Catholic basketball or golf programs.

For a more detailed obituary or to express online condolences to the family please visit www.chiles-lamanfh.com.