James (Jim) M. Sheets

James (Jim) M Sheets, age 67, passed away at home on December 6, 2018 after struggling with a long illness. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Jim was born on January 21, 1951 to the late Paul Joseph and Audrey Ann (Rodefer) in Toledo, OH, but lived most of his life in Lorain, OH. He graduated in 1969 from Lorain High School. He went on to attend Wittenberg University, and graduated from Toledo University in 1973 with a Bachelor of education degree. He began his career in education in 1973, teaching history at Southview high school in Lorain, OH. After receiving his Master’s degree, in 1978, he became principal at South Amherst high school, and in 1986 he became superintendent of South Amherst schools. He moved on to be the assistant superintendent for Lorain County schools where he retired in 2008. In his younger years, Jim enjoyed all sports, especially golfing and coaching his son’s baseball teams. After retirement he and his wife Joy moved to Connelly Springs, NC to enjoy lake living and boating and fishing. In 2016 they became “snowbirds” and split their time in WI and AZ so they could be near their children and grandchildren. He was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Plover, WI where his son, Ben is lead pastor, and was an associate member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West, AZ. Jim leaves behind his beloved wife, Joy (Cusumano), of 45 years, two sons, Brian (Jennifer) and Ben (Rachel), and four grandchildren, Avery Lyn, Clayton Matthew, Eliza Joy, and Emilyn Marie. He also has a sister Jo Ann (Craig) Bowman from Fort Myers, FL. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Joseph, mother Audrey Ann, and his dear brother Paul Joseph Jr. Jim’s family will gather for a memorial service early next week. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in Jim’s memory to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Plover, WI. Please join Jim’s family in sharing memories, pictures or videos on his tribute wall at www.caminodelsol.com.