James V. Hull

James Vernon Hull, 69, of Napoleon, Ohio, passed away on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026.

He was born on Feb. 18, 1956, in Defiance, Ohio, to the late Ross and Bertia (Furrow) Hull. On June 30, 1978, he married the love of his life, Lynn Rolander, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in McClure, and they spent a loving 47 years together.

Jim was a caring, generous and compassionate son, brother, father grandfather and friend. At the age of 12, Jim won an essay contest to become the bat boy for the Toledo Mudhens during the 1969 season. Jim's passion for baseball remained, and he was a very skilled catcher throughout his teenage and young adult years.

After graduating from Napoleon High School in 1974 and attending Ohio State University, Jim went on to become the advertising manager of the Northwest Signal newspaper during the 1990s.

Anyone who knew Jim knows that he was an avid music lover, and loved to share music with everyone he met. Jim's sense of humor and special way with words always entertained his friends and family.

Jim cherished and prioritized lifelong friendships that meant the world to him, and Jim's love for his family, especially his grandchildren, defined his life. Later in life, Jim discovered a love of creating art, and painted dozens of beautiful and imaginative surrealist landscapes. His creativity extended into writing poems and short stories which he loved to share with family and friends.

Jim marveled at and was nurtured by the beauty of nature, and had a passion for collecting rocks and crystals. In 2006, Jim and Lynn embarked upon a life-changing month-long cross-country trip out West, camping in many National Parks along the way.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Lynn Hull; children, Jessica (Craig) Dehnbostel, Matt (Savannah Nowakowski) Hull; grandchildren, Jillian, Allison, Owen and Lauren Dehnbostel, and Rena Hull; brother, C. Raymond Marvin; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his son, Alexander Ross Hull; and sister, Romaine Waisner.

Friends and family will be received at Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, from 2-7 p.m. Services will be held for Jim on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at Christ United Methodist Church, Napoleon, at 11 a.m., with an hour of visitation prior to services. Pastor Justin McCall will be officiating services on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made out to Christ United Methodist Church, or Soaring Arts Studio of Napoleon.

Online condolences may also be left for the family at rodenbergergray.com.