James H. "Jim" Trautman

James H. “Jim” Trautman, 86, of Dover, passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2023 in Cleveland Clinic Mercy Medical Center at Canton.

 

Born September 29, 1937 in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Hardie E. and Kathryn J. (Garrett) Trautman and was a veteran having served in the United States Army National Guard.  Jim graduated from East Stroudsburg State Teachers College in Pennsylvania with a Bachelor Degree in Physical Education and had served as the Assistant Aquatic Director for the York, Pennsylvania YMCA. Jim then relocated his family to Dover, Ohio when he accepted the position as Physical Education Director of the Tuscarawas County YMCA. He later became employed and eventually retired from Zimmer Biomet at Dover, where he worked as a Lab Technician.

 

Jim was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church at Dover where he enjoyed singing in the church choir and was an active member and later President of the United Methodist Men.  Jim was always willing to serve others and always willing to volunteer where needed. He could be found helping with repairing wheelchairs at Wheels of Hope, serving meals at the Salvation Army and Mobile Meals, or volunteering as an official for Dover High School Track events.

 

Jim loved to be active and had a passion for swimming, running, cycling and race-walking and a member of his college swim team. It was at this time that he became an  active runner in the Ohio Road Runner's Club, which led to his participation in the Senior Olympics. He competed locally and nationally in both swimming and race-walking events and won numerous awards.

 

Jim is survived by his very devoted and loving wife of over 61 years, Nedra P. (Hicks) Trautman of Dover; his three daughters, Tammy Lynn (Eric) Dietz of New Philadelphia, Bonnie Lynn (Rob) Day of Port Byron, Illinois and Holly Lynn (Christian) Tulip of New Philadelphia and his five grandchildren, Zachary and Mia Dietz, Kayla and Lauren Day and Henry Tulip.  He is also survived by dear and loving friends, Loren and Carole Wallace, along with the loving and supportive church and neighborhood  family members.

 

In addition to his parents, a brother, Ralph W. Trautman, also preceded him in death on December 2,2018. 

 

A Memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 10, 2023 beginning at 2:30 PM in the First United Methodist Church at Dover with Rev. Wesley George officiating. Friends are invited to call, at the church, on Sunday from 1 PM until the time of the service. A private burial will take place in Dover Burial Park on a later date. The Geib Funeral Center at Dover has been entrusted with service arrangements.