James "Jim" Westerman

James “Jim” Westerman, 88 years, passed away on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at the Woodlands of Newburgh, IN.

Jim was born on April 23, 1935, in Wyandot County, Ohio, to Harry and Matilda (Rusch) Westerman. He was married to Bess Mae Riley and she preceded him in death on August 22, 2000.

Jim is survived by his daughter Jodi Renee (Bill) Bruegger of Evansville, IN, his son Joseph James (Mardee) Westerman of Palmetto, FL, his son in law John (Amy, deceased) Teeter of Ashland City, TN, and 6 grandchildren: Sarah Marie Bruegger, Jennifer Marie Austin (Chris), Megan Nicole Teeter, Jacob James Westerman, and Garrett Marsden Westerman. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Amy Sue Teeter, and his siblings: Robert Harry (Edna), Donald Ray (Virginia), Harley Edward (Geraldine), Harold Eldred (Jo), Norman Lee (Pat), and Lewis Eugene, as well as many brother- in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins from both the Westerman and Riley families.

Jim met Bess while she was working at Koehler’s Drug Store in Upper Sandusky, and they became inseparable in 1957. The two were married on August 17, 1958, and this year they would have celebrated their 65-year wedding anniversary.

Jim was an entrepreneur and together with his wife Bess, owned and operated the Sunbury Grill in Sunbury, Ohio, until 1979 when they moved to Florida. There they owned and operated a small clothing store and eventually he would work as a salesman for a local hardware store. They later moved to Sylva, North Carolina, to escape the Florida heat and be closer to family. Jim worked in banking until his retirement. After the passing of his wife (Bess) Jim moved to Tennessee and then on to Indiana.

Jim loved all music and he was a very gifted organist. He was able to play any song by ear. He enjoyed his grand children, cooking, gardening, and going to the casino. He loved watching the Ohio State football team and the marching band “The Best Damn Band in the Land”. Jim would also never pass up a chocolate malt or good Chinese food.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at the Lucas-Batton Funeral Home in Upper Sandusky. A graveside service will follow at Old Mission Cemetery, at 1:30 pm, and will be officiated by Rev. Jim Stauffer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, and can be sent to Lucas-Batton, 476 S. Sandusky Ave. Upper Sandusky, OH 43351.

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