James Walther

MAINEVILLE -- James M. "Jim" Walther, 73, of Maineville, Ohio, passed away surrounded by his loving family at the OSU Wexner Medical Center on December 9, 2025 following a brief illness.

Jim was born in Lima, Ohio on October 26,1952 to Paul James and E. Ellen Adams Walther of Lima, Ohio.

A 1971 graduate of Lima Shawnee High School, Jim continued his education at Bluffton University earning a B.A. in Business Education in 1975. While at Bluffton he was a member of the men's basketball and golf teams. He also served in the United States Coast Guard from 1972-1978. In 1975 Jim married Ginger (Gentry) Walther and began a 45 year teaching and basketball coaching career that took him and his family to various school districts in Ohio (Hicksville Local, Wynford Local, Old Fort Local, Wapakoneta City Schools, Northwest High, Colerain High School, and Princeton City Schools). Jim was equally proud of his 16 years of coaching AAU basketball in the Lima and Cincinnati areas.

Jim's sense of humor and friendly nature often created life-long connections. His devotion to his family, love of sports(especially his beloved Buckeyes), and loyalty to his friends will be deeply missed.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Ginger Gentry Walther, sons Jay (Amanda) Walther of Beavercreek, OH and Adam "Bubba" Walther of Maineville, OH, grandchildren Brayden, Bryce, and Alivia of Beavercreek and Kinsley, Karsen, Kaya, and their mother

Melissa (Szkutnik) Walther of Maineville, sisters Patti (Darryl) Nichols of Elida, OH and Karen (Tony) Boitnott of Lima, OH, brothers-in-law Skip (Amy), Curtis, and Tim (Jennifer)Gentry of Vermilion, OH, Steven Bacskay and Robert Bacskay of Elyria, OH, cousins Terry (Mimi) Adams of Fishers, IN, Jack (Judy) Bowersock of Spencerville, OH, and several nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his loving parents Paul James Walther (2018) and E.Ellen Walther (2005), beloved Uncle and Aunt, Don (2000) and Miriam Adams (2025), and mother-in-law Deloris Livelsberger (2015).

To honor Jim, a celebration of life will be held at The Manor House in Mason, Ohio from 2:00-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to steppingstonesohio.org, a non-profit that creates pathways to independence for people with disabilities.