James B. "Jim" Dearwester

James B. “Jim” Dearwester, 95, of Bellefontaine, passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at his residence.

He was born in Champaign County, Ohio on September 17, 1930, the son of the late John E. Sr. and Naomi O. (Curl) Dearwester.

On July 7, 1952, he married Mary Catheryn (Lucas) Dearwester in Portland, Indiana, and she preceded him in death on February 13, 2015. He was also preceded in death by a son, Charles David (Diane) LeVan, three grandchildren, and a brother, Harry C. Dearwester.

He is survived by two daughters, Debra Jean (Lowell) Bowers, of Lakeview and Denise (Richard) Hess of Tennessee, a son, Ronald Bruce (Susan) Dearwester of Zanesfield, 10 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and 13 great-great grandchildren. Also surviving are his siblings, Ida C. Frederick, Frances L. Thatcher, Lucy R. Whitehead, John E. (Sue) Dearwester, Jr., William L. "Willie" Dearwester, Paul E. Dearwester, Homer R. (Mary) Dearwester, all of Bellefontaine, and his best friend, Jim (Kim) Berton of Bellefontaine.

Jim attended Bellefontaine High School where he excelled in athletics. His freshman year, he earned the starting quarterback position and was a member of the “Five J’s” Chieftain basketball years, that included, (Leland) Jay Stayrook, Jimmy Ratleff, John W. Harvey, James H. Tullis & himself. He ended up leaving high school early, enlisting in the United States Air Force, proudly serving 1949 to 1952, during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge from the military, he worked for Siemens / Bull Dog for 33 years, and then started his own trucking company, hauling goods for Siemens for another 20+ years.

Jim embodied the “Heart of a Chieftain” and was a constant presence in Bellefontaine High School athletics for decades. He volunteered on the football “chain gang” for almost 50 years, ran the baseball scoreboard for 18 years, and rarely missed a Chieftain basketball game. As an honorable gesture, the school "reserved" his seat at the mid court line, front row, with his name engraved on a plaque and additionally, had a room named in his honor in the baseball press box, where he and his late wife would watch games. He was also a devoted fan of the Cleveland Browns and The Ohio State Buckeyes, and he belonged to the Elks Lodge and American Legion, both of Bellefontaine.

Burial will be private in North Greenfield Cemetery, Perry Township and there are no public services planned, per Jim’s wishes.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bellefontaine Chieftain Athletic Boosters Club, 555 E. Lake Ave., Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311.

EICHHOLTZ & DARING FUNERAL HOME, & CREMATION CENTER, BELLEFONTAINE, is honored to serve the Dearwester family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.eichholtzdaring.com 

TFD