James W. Lessig (87), Perrysburg, Ohio, passed peacefully in his sleep at the Hospice Center of NW Ohio on June 2, after a long battle with ALS. He is survived by his two children, Thomas (Leslie) Lessig , and Andrea (Skip) Pogan, as well as five beloved grandchildren, Michael and Thomas Mori, Samuel and Emily Lessig and Nat Pogan.
Born in Canton, Ohio in 1935 to Esther and Sam Lessig, James was the youngest of three boys. His older brothers, Don Lessig and Wade Lessig proceeded him in death. James graduated from Canton Lincoln High School in 1953 and enrolled at Bowling Green State University where he graduated in 1957. Following college, James served in the US Air Force in both Texas and New Mexico.
James met the love of his life, Margarita Keller in ninth grade in Canton, and married her in 1957. They spent the next 60 plus years together raising a family, traveling the world and spending time with some of the greatest friends anyone could wish for. Margarita passed away in 2017.
James spent his early career at BGSU working in a number of positions including, assistant basketball coach, assistant athletic director, executive director of alumni and development, and finally as Athletics Director from 1978 – 1982. He went on to serve as MAC Commissioner from 1982-90 and was inducted into the MAC Hall of Fame in 2014. He entered the BGSU Hall of Fame in 2015.
In 1969, James left Bowling Green to become the assistant basketball coach at the University of Minnesota with Bill Fitch. One year later, former BGSU graduate, Nick Miletti brought James and Bill on board to coach the NBA expansion franchise Cleveland Cavaliers. James served as assistant coach, head scout and director of special promotions. He also served as an on air analyst for Cavalier basketball and for the Cleveland Indians.
James Lessig was a Member of Zoar Lutheran Church in Perrysburg and First Presbyterian Church of Bowling Green.
Funeral and burial services will be private for immediate family at Oak Grove Cemetery in Bowling Green. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dunn Funeral Home in Bowling Green.
The family wishes to give a special “Thank You” to the wonderful and caring staff of NW Ohio Hospice in Toledo, and to his very dear friend, Jo Tutolo.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Zoar Lutheran Church, Perrysburg, Ohio, to the BGSU Athletics Department, or to The ALS Association.
Online condolences as well as a fond memory may be shared with James’ family by visiting www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
