James T. Hackworth

James T. Hackworth

MARION: James T. Hackworth, (The Ditcher Man), age 92, of Marion, went home to be with Jesus on December 23, 2015, with his wife by his side.

James was born on August 25, 1923 at Royalton, KY, the son of James Elliott Hackworth and Stella (Marshall) Hackworth. Survivors besides his wife, June, are: four children, Jerry (Debbie) Hackworth, Texas, Perry (Diane, girlfriend), Kathy Ward, Michael Hackworth, both of Findlay, Ohio; one step-daughter and two step-sons, two sisters, Noretta (Don) Russell, Michigan, Joilene (Al) Yeager, Arkansas, two brothers, Don (Margaret) Hackworth, Arkansas, Ron (Lynn) Hackworth, Michigan, seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and one great-grand child.

James worked various jobs over the years: Davis Besse, Michigan Foundry, running heavy equipment on the Ohio Turnpike. In earlier years, James worked for Howard Walton, who owned many farms in Ohio and Michigan. Howard taught James about surveying the land, farm drainage and running heavy equipment. James also attended classes in laser technology in Englewood, Ohio.

In 1970, James originated his own drainage business with his own working crew. Since 1970, James had worked in eight counties in Ohio doing farm drainage. After retiring, people would come from miles around to get James' expertise in drainage. He loved the running of heavy equipment, nature, the land and surveying.

James was a former member of the Lighthouse Pentecostal Church of God in Carey, Ohio, where he taught Sunday School, and was in the ministry for 34 years. He loved to read his Bible and to listen to gospel music.

James was a hard working individual, honest and loved the Lord. James surely will be missed by family and friends. He was a good husband, father and friend to people who knew him.

Funeral services for Mr. Hackworth will be at Denzer-Farrison- Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center Street, Marion, Ohio. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 from 10:30 am - 12 noon with a 12 noon service. Interment will be at Grand Prairie Cemetery following the service. Memorial donations may be made to Bridge Hospice at Blanchard Valley Hospital: 1900 S. Main Street, Findlay, Ohio, 45840.

Denzer-Farions-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hackworth Family and online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com