James W. Price, 81, of Urbana, died unexpectedly, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in his home.
He was a graduate of Raymond High School. He continued his education and received his Bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University. He went on to serve his country in the United States Army.
He retired after many years as a dairy farmer. He was a member of the Brown Swiss Cattle Association, spent many years judging cattle shows across the Midwest, and was known for producing champions in the brown Swiss and Holstein breeds.
Aside from farming and spending time with his family, he enjoyed maintaining flower beds and designing arrangements, as well as exhibiting them at the Champaign County fair. In retirement, he looked forward to socializing and participating in the flea market monthly at the fairgrounds. He thoroughly enjoyed his days babysitting grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also was an avid and loyal fan of The Ohio State University Buckeyes.
He was born Jan. 26, 1937, in Allen Center, to the late George and Zelia (Lockwood) Price. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his infant sibling; brother, George “Shorty” Price; brothers-in-law, Ronnie Tapp, Joe Pritchett and Truman Sibley; and sister-in-law, Harriett Price.
He is survived by his loving family, including his wife of 51 years, Sheila Yvonne (Sibley) Price; daughters, Erin J. (Tim) Kliesch, Ellyn L. (Dave) Hollingsworth and Emily J. (Jaret) Adams; sons, Eric J. (Karen) Price and Evan D. Price; grandchildren, Ashlie (Jeremy) Walter, Cassie Price, Ethan (Casey) Price, Zach Kendall, Matthew Price, Angie Coomer, Tyler Kliesch, Trevor Kliesch, Lane Hollingsworth, Eli Hollingsworth, Levi Hollingsworth, Landon Key, Abigail Adams and Aubree Adams; great-grandchildren, Brady, Ethan, Blake and Easton Walter, Bailey, Caden and Morgan Price and Sophia Coomer; sisters, Rachel (Larry) Nauman, Jenny Tapp and Zella (Mike) Mullin; brother, David Price; sister-in-law, Judy Price; and loving in-laws, nieces, nephews and a host of long-time friends.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Vernon Funeral Home in Urbana. The Rev. Hershel Byrd will officiate funeral services at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Urbana VFW/DAV Post 5451, 220 E. Court St, Urbana, OH 43078.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.