Obituary for James W. Dean

James William Dean, age 79, born to Loretta (Yost) Dean on April 19, 1942, left the arms of his loving wife into the arms of Jesus, on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, surrounded by his devoted family and friends. Psalm 116:15 – “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”

He was a member of Heritage Christian Church where he faithfully served on the Greeter Team, Puppet Team, Annual Heritage Harvest Picnic and anywhere else needed. Jim joined the U.S. Air Force when he was 17 to serve his country. He married the love of his life, Donna, on 11-11-66. They were best friends and enjoyed camping, biking and taking cruises together. He started his 36-year driving career with UPS, where he drove a tractor trailer, pulling doubles safely all those years. After his UPS retirement, he spent the next 10 years as a School Bus Driver for Worthington Christian Schools. Jim had a servant’s heart and was always willing to help family and friends with any need.

He was a very devoted husband, and proud Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa. Jim is preceded in death by his mother, Lorretta Yost Dean, son-in-law, Scott Smart, brother-in-law, Jim Koons; and Marsh Mowery (Big Brother from Big Brothers Association). He is survived by Donna, his loving wife of 54½ years; daughter Dione (Daniel) Seifer; Dennis (Melissa) Dean; Don (Dana) Dean; grandchildren: Rachel (Wesley) Boston; Samantha (Joel) Maynard; Amanda (Ross) Meeker; Allison Dean; Tara Cooper; Selina Cooper; Jacob Cooper; Victoria Short; great-grandchildren: Jaxson, Levi, Jaysean and Jordan; sister, Ruth Koons; extended family; and a multitude of wonderful friends and neighbors. Special thanks to our loving family, life-long friends Brenda and Tom Wells, the marvelous team of workers from Capital City Hospice, and everyone who showed their love and support with prayers, cards, food, gift cards and words of encouragement throughout his Hospice journey.

Family and friends may call on Friday, July 2 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. with the funeral beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 3, at Heritage Christian Church, 7413 Maxtown Road, Westerville, Ohio, officiated by Pastors John Buckles and Andy Seiberhagen. Interment to follow at Blendon Cemetery, 6330 South Hempstead Road, Westerville. Reception thereafter at Brookstone Clubhouse, 1295 Cobblestone Avenue, Westerville