James "Jim" Overocker

James Alan "Jim" Overocker, 68, of Mansfield, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

Born on April 2, 1957, in the small town of Protection, Kansas, Jim was raised with strong values and a deep love for sports. He graduated from Protection High School in 1975, where he excelled as a student-athlete, proudly playing football. His passion for the game carried him to Kansas State University, where he continued to play as a linebacker for the Wildcats. He earned his bachelor's degree in education in 1979.

Jim began his professional life as an elementary school teacher, guiding and teaching 3rd and 4th graders. Later, he shifted careers and became a familiar face in the car sales industry working for Lewis Motors in Garden City, Kansas. In recent years, many came to know Jim through his work at Kroger on Ashland Road in Mansfield, where he never missed an opportunity to strike up a friendly conversation or share a smile.

On May 10, 2008, Jim married Judy Villard.

A loyal fan through and through, Jim was a proud supporter of the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas State Wildcats, and the Kansas City Royals. He especially loved watching his grandchildren play sports and attending their games.

Jim was happiest surrounded by family, especially over a good home-cooked meal-with fried chicken at the top of his list. His favorite vacation destination was Disney World, a place he loved to visit.

A member of First United Methodist Church of Mansfield, Jim served as an usher, trustee, and a member of the finance committee. He also had been a 4-H volunteer in Richland County for many years.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife Judy Villard; son Jamie (Jodie) Overocker and daughter Jennifer (Jonathan) Gonzalez; grandchildren Cooper and Wyatt Overocker, Anthony, Jaiden, Kyler, Codi, and Annette Gonzalez; step daughters Jennifer (Geoff) Eckenwiler and Kimberly Satterwhite; step grandchildren Luke, Lily and Will Eckenwiler and Cameron, Caitlyn, and Callie Satterwhite; his sister Jan St. Clair; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jay and Mary Overocker, his daughter Cindy Overocker and granddaughter Emma Riley Overocker.

His family will receive friends Tuesday, September 23, 2025 from 4-7 pm in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home. Visitation will continue Wednesday at 1st United Methodist Church, 12 North Diamond Street, Mansfield, Ohio 44902 from 10-11 am where his celebration of life will begin at 11 am. Celebrant Dave Roberts will officiate.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to 1st United Methodist Church, 12 North Diamond Street, Mansfield, Ohio 44902 or Richland County 4-H, 1495 West Longview Avenue, Suite 206, Mansfield, Ohio 44906.