James R. "Jim" Minnich

In Loving Memory of James R. Minnich
Born November 4th 1945- March 23rd 2023
Jim Minnich, 77, loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather passed away on Thursday March 23, 2023 surrounded by his family.
Jim was born on November 4, 1945 to Roger and Betty (Helvie). Jim graduated from Ashland High School in 1963, where he excelled in Football, Basketball, and Track. He was the first junior to ever receive "Athlete of the Year"; and was honored again to receive it his senior year. Jim was offered a scholarship to play football at Purdue University, where he attended his freshman year.
Jim transferred to Ashland College where he continued his football career and graduated with a Bachelor in Education/ Psychology. Wearing #33, Jim was the starting half back for the undefeated 1967 Eagles football team. Jim also qualified for the NCAA National Meet for the Ashland College track team. Later in life, Jim was inducted into the Ashland County Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.
While attending Ashland College, Jim met the love of his life, Lynne Caban, and they married in June of 1968; a marriage that thrived for almost 55 years. They remained in Ashland and raised their three children, Rob, Jamie and Heather.
Jim served the Ashland City Schools system for 25 years, serving as a high school Physical Education Teacher, Guidance Counselor and after receiving his Masters Degree in education at Kent University he served as principal at Edison and Montgomery Elementary. He loved working side by side with his faculty and the children. As a former athlete himself, Jim spent his afternoons coaching. Whether football, basketball or track Jim was a dedicated coach inspiring young athletes to reach their potential.
In 1993, Jim made a career move to join his father's business, Minnich Manufacturing, and became sole owner in 1995. Over the next two decades, Minnich developed and launched a number of products with advanced technology to enhance productivity and safety in the concrete construction industry. Jim was an influential member of the concrete and equipment industries throughout his career. He served as chairman of the American Concrete Paving Association (ACPA) equipment division while holding a position on the board of directors. In addition, he was appointed to the board of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), where he represented the light equipment division. Minnich Manufacturing moved to its current facility in 2011, adding 14,000 square feet to its operations and positioning the business for future expansion. The company celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018, Jim's final full year as owner.
Outside of work, Jim had many hobbies. He enjoyed running, cycling, grilling, golf, boating and fishing at Lake Erie. Jim continued to share his childhood love of the lake by circling up the family on the weekends. Chasing his love of the water, Jim spent his winters in Naples where he enjoyed the sun, beach, and evenings around the firepit with family and friends. In addition, Jim spent a lot of time attending their children's and grand children's athletic events locally and around the country.
Later in life Jim and his wife Lynne helped local organizations such as giving back to their alma mater, now Ashland University, and helped establish a new Ashland County Dog Shelter, which is currently being built.
Left to cherish his memory, his loving wife Lynne (Caban), Children Rob (fiance' Mindy) Minnich, Jamie (Jeff) McDaniel, Heather (Todd) Jurjevic and 11 grandchildren Triton, Takara Knepp (Kevin), Keegan, Hudson, Addi, Cami, Rylan, Natalie, Luke, Owen, and Ethan and great grandson Garnet.
A Public Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Thursday, March 30th, 2023 from 4:00-6:00 PM at the John C Myers Convocation Center, Trustees Room, at Ashland University, Ashland Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials in honor of Jim may be directed to Ashland County Dog Shelter at 1710 Garfield Ave, Ashland, OH 44805.