James Niekamp

James “Jim” Niekamp, age 84, of St. Henry, Ohio, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 8, 1941, in Cranberry Prairie, Ohio to the late Andrew and Alma (Bertke) Niekamp.

On July 9, 1964, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas, Jim married the love of his life, Maria Margarita "Marge" (Morales) Niekamp, who survives him at their residence.

Jim is also survived by his children: Matt Niekamp of St. Henry; James “Jaime” (Francesca) Niekamp of St. Henry; Ramona (Rob) Jacknewitz of St. Louis, Missouri; Frank “Paco” (Amy) Niekamp of Dublin; Sara (Mark) Bruns of Fort Recovery; and Ben Niekamp of Columbus. He cherished his eleven grandchildren: Adrian, James "Jesse", Mariana, Catherine, Marisa, Analise, Andrew, Harrison, Elle, Aubrey, and Victoria; and two great-grandchildren, Scout Tate and Miller. He also leaves behind his two sisters, Phyllis Miller of Battle Creek, Michigan, and Kathleen (Gerald) Pulskamp of New Bremen, as well as his sister-in-law, Mary Lee Niekamp of St. Henry.

He was preceded in death by his siblings: Ethel (Elmer) Rinderle, Lester (Beverly) Niekamp, Paul (Dorothy) Niekamp, Thomas Niekamp, Joan (Maurice "Moe") Rammel, Andrew Niekamp, and an infant brother, John Niekamp; and a brother-in-law, Joe Miller.

Jim was a proud 1959 graduate of St. Henry High School. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Education from Miami University in Oxford and his Master’s degree in Education from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. Jim's first teaching position took him to the Navajo Indian Reservation in Pueblo Pintado, New Mexico, where he met Marge, and they soon married. The couple moved to Ohio, where Jim began teaching at Holy Rosary in St. Marys, St. Henry High School, and ultimately concluded his career as Teacher, Dean of Student Affairs & Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at Coldwater High School for 17 years.

A passionate educator and coach, Jim was also a member of St. Henry Catholic Church, St. Henry Knights of Columbus Council #2640, the Mercer County Elks Golf Club in Celina, and was an active participant on the St. Henry Village Council, the Mercer County Fair Board, and the Church Parish Council.

Jim’s hobbies included staying active, spending quality time with his family and friends, golfing, fishing, and playing cards. He touched many lives with his kind heart, wisdom, and dedication to his community.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Montezuma on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 10:30 am with Fr. Robert Muhlenkamp officiating. Private graveside services will be held at St. Henry Cemetery at a late date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Everheart Hospice, 230 W Main St, Coldwater, Ohio 45828 and Misioneros de Cristo Mediador, Iglesia San Ignacio de Loyola, Padre Servando Nieto, Padre Gerardo Sanchez, 24380 U.S. 281, San Benito, Texas 78586.

The Niekamp family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the love and support received during this difficult time. To share memories or offer condolences, please visit www.ciscofuneralhome.com or the Cisco Funeral Home Facebook page.

The Cisco Funeral Homes of Celina & St. Marys are honored to serve Jim and his family.