John W. "Jim" Canfield

1925 - 2007

CANFIELD John W. "Jim" John W. "Jim" Canfield departed this life on January 6, 2007, at the age of 81 years, 4 months and 16 days in The Lutheran Home at Napoleon surrounded by his children. Jim was born on August 21, 1925, in Toledo, the eldest child and only son of Garrett O. and Beatrice H. (Barnthouse) Canfield. Garrett was a draftsman who died when John was only 9. John and his sister, Marjorie were raised by their mother and stepfather, Henry Mooseman. Jim was the grandson of John McIntire and Anna (Garrett) Canfield. John McIntire Canfield was a long-time Toledo Public Schools educator, the Principal of both the Auburndale and Gunckel Schools. Before graduating from Waterville High School, Jim joined the U.S. Navy during World War II. He served on the destroyer escort USS Lough as a Seaman First Class. Upon honorable discharge from the Navy at the end of the war, Jim returned to high school at Toledo Macomber and earned his diploma. He also received an honorary diploma from Waterville High School in 2002. Jim married Ruth Hahn of Waterville on May 19, 1956, at the Zion Lutheran Church, Waterville. He fathered four children, all of whom survive, Kathleen Marie (Brett) Sworden, Napoleon, John Thomas (Jodi), Napoleon, William Henry (Vicki), Holland, and David Garrett (Kim), Toledo. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren and step grandchildren, Cassandra, Amanda, John III, Jennifer, Douglas, Daniel, Eric Tate, Louise, Kyle, Samantha, Jesse Ruth and Katharine; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Marjorie (Russell Sr.) Fowler, Gaylord, MI; five nieces and nephews and their families. Jim retired from the Ohio Department of Transportation in 1983 and spent his retirement years as a loyal fan of the Toledo Mud Hens, attending games first as an usher and later as a member of the Booster Club. He made it to two games last season including the first playoff game. Jim loved his family, all dogs, family reunions, and high school sports, which he attended many at both Napoleon and Anthony Wayne High Schools. He was the proud holder of senior passes to both school's events. Jim followed the Anthony Wayne High School Marching Generals closely and loved to watch them perform. He was a life member of American Legion Post 364, Waterville. Memorial services and military rites will be held at 4 p.m., Wednesday, January 10, 2007, in the Wright Funeral Home, Grand Rapids. Interment will be private. Memorials are suggested, in lieu of flowers, to The Lutheran Home at Napoleon. Online condolences can be expressed at www.wrightfuneralhomes.com