James Hoskins

1942 - 2024

CRIDERSVILLE -- James Kenneth "Ken" Hoskins, 81, of Cridersville and formerly Spencerville, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Monday, August 26, 2024 at Burton's Ridge Assisted Living in Shawnee.

Ken was born on September 19, 1942, to the late Cloffus and Beatrice (Hendrickson) Hoskins. He grew up East of Lima and graduated from Harrod High School in 1961. On June 15, 1962, Ken was united in marriage to the love of his life, Betty Jean Maxwell. Together they raised two children, (James) Kirk and Joseph. Ken was a journeyman electrician and instructor and extremely proud of his membership, involvement, and employment with the IBEW Local 32 Union.

Ken is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty; two sons, Kirk (Carolin) Hoskins of Fremont and Joseph (Mary) Hoskins of Tipp City; ten grandchildren: Bailey (Jessica) Hoskins of Clarksville, TN, Britton Hoskins of Troy, Scotlyn ("Scoti") Hoskins of Toledo, Tyler (Paula) Paule of Cridersville, Jeremiah Hoskins of Clyde, Genesis Hoskins of Dunkirk, Joshua (Samantha) Hoskins of Columbus Grove, Angelo Reyes of Fremont, Denyce Paule of Fremont, and Caleb Hoskins of Clyde; two sisters, Sharon Sacks of Russells Point and JoAnn Hilyard of Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Betty Loretta and brother-in-law Steve Sacks.

A long-time member of the Lima Missionary Baptist Church, Ken was a mainstay on the worship team while leading with his guitar. He loved "jam sessions" with his fellow musicians and spent many hours refining his playing. He enjoyed fellowship with family and friends; even discovering golf later in his life (likely being frustrated with it like everyone else). He looked forward to riding his Goldwing with friends on day trips. Ken could always be seen in his trusty Ohio State University hat which he seemed to wear everywhere. Skilled with his hands, he built the family home in Spencerville - certainly with some help but mostly on his own at night after working a full day. He took to model woodworking, building structures of all kinds that were displayed over the years within the house. Ken was no doubt a man of many talents and he did his best to share them with everyone.

Visitation will be from 11:00-2:00 p.m. followed by his funeral service at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Lima Missionary Baptist Church with pastor Terry Brock officiating. Burial will take place following the service at Fairmount Cemetery. Memories may be shared and viewed by visiting www.baylifffuneral.com. Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville is caring for Ken and his family.