James Uhlenhake

James Bernard Uhlenhake, 83, passed peacefully on May 5, 2025 surrounded by the love that defined his life. He was joyfully welcomed into heaven by his beloved son, Doug; his sisters, Carol Bauer and Mary Jean Hartings; and his parents, Bernard and Cleopha (Dillhoff) Uhlenhake.
Jim was born May 31, 1941 in St. Henry, OH. From a young age, he enjoyed being outdoors and working with his hands. In 1959 he graduated from St Henry High School. He became a talented woodworker and eventually enjoyed a fulfilling career as a professional surveyor.
When his father passed at the young age of 13, Jim became the only male in a home with four women. This experience shaped a man with quiet strength, humility and respect for others. In 1960, Jim found the one whom his soul would love when he laid eyes on the beautiful Ronda Lee Culver, beginning a great love story spanning more than six decades. On September 21, 1963, they were joined as husband and wife, and soon grew their family welcoming three children: Douglas James, Jeffrey Alan, and Deborah Sue.
Though usually soft-spoken, those who truly knew Jim were treated to his clever and sweet sense of humor-never unkind and always spot-on. He loved fishing, was both inspired and frustrated by golf, and above all, was devoted to his family. He loved playing cards and was absolutely a sore loser, enjoyed strumming his guitar, and loved the Buckeyes. He never missed a party and traveled many miles to watch games and celebrate with friends and family. Jim's life was full-rich with love, laughter, faith, family and football.
Jim extended his love to his son-in-law Chris Schell and daughter-in-law Angie Benham, loving them as his own. He was known proudly as Papa Jim to his beloved grandchildren Jack, Nick, and Joe Schell and Jake, Ben, and Allie Uhlenhake. He had a measured and balanced perspective, quiet pride and steady presence which will impact their lives forever. He was a fixture at sporting events, milestones, and celebrations-always wearing his signature fishing hat and suspenders. Jim's Catholic faith grounded him, and his greatest wish was simply to live his life with Ronda, the love of his life, for as long as he could.
In addition to those mentioned above, Jim will be greatly missed by his baby sister Connie (Chris) Chatterton, brother-in-law Carl Bauer, Ronda's siblings: the late Dee (Matt) Schwieterman, Judy (the late Doug) Eblen (Frank Leisner), Mary (Larry) McMurray, Fred Culver, and Brenda (John) Kaiser, many nieces and nephews, and lifelong friends including the Bobs (the back of the bus gang).
We welcome you to join our family as we lay Jim to his eternal rest. Friends may call at Egan-Ryan Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 4661 Kenny Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220 on Friday, May 16, 2025 from 9:00-11:00am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30am at St. Timothy Catholic Church at 1088 Thomas Lane. Burial will occur at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Celina, Ohio on Saturday, May 17 at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to St. Timothy Catholic School, 1070 Thomas Lane, Columbus OH 43220; Bishop Watterson High School or Ohio Health Hospice/Kobacker House.