Otto James “Jim” Stockner, 80, passed away in the early hours of January 16, 2020. He was born at home on October 27, 1939 to Otto and Theresa (Ristl) Stockner in Grand Rapids, Ohio. He married Priscilla (Kiger) on October 13, 1962 and they celebrated 57 years in October. She survives along with children Jodi (Aaron) Lee, and John (Tammy Nelson) Stockner.
He graduated from Tontogany High School in 1957 and was attending Davis Business College in Toledo before being drafted into the Army in 1963, serving 2 years active, 2 years active reserve and 2 years inactive reserve.
Jim loved woodworking and attended Whitney Tech in Toledo, learning cabinet making, making many cabinets and doing finish work during his lifetime of construction work finishing his working years at Modine Mfg. in Pemberville after 18 ½ years.
He enjoyed sports, having coached St. Al’s 5th and 6th grade girls basketball and refereeing high school basketball after high school.
Jim loved the winter and would stay out for hour’s snow blowing the neighborhood. He loved kids and when the neighbor kids saw him get out the sleds they all came running. He would pile them in the van (before seatbelts) and take them sledding or whatever outdoor activity he was doing. Those kids became his kids and still called him dad.
He liked being active and began jogging and walking then bicycling, riding across the U.S. in 2004 from Washington State to Maine. He would ride to work on good weather days. He belonged to St. Aloysius Church, the St. Al’s lock up crew, Black Swamp Bicycle Club, The National American Legion, was a Habitat for Humanity volunteer and enjoyed traveling with the Maumee Valley Wenneliags Club. Over the years he donated many gallons of blood to the Red Cross. He was Santa’s Helper for many local organizations.
Jim leaves behind Priscilla, Jodi and John and grandchildren Samuel, Allison, Zane and Zoey, 3 step-grandchildren Cierah, Mariah and Josh, a brother Joseph (Nancy) of Perrysburg, sisters Theresa Metzger of Mansfield, Rosemary Cox of Grand Rapids and Barbara Heiman of Tontogany.
He was preceded in death by his infant daughter Jackie, brother Karl, brothers-in-law Merrill Metzger, Glenn (Corky) Cox and Bill Heiman.
The family would like to thank BG Manor for their great care while he was there.
Visitation for Jim will be held on Sunday January 19, 2020 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home, located in the Historical District of Bowling Green at 408 West Wooster Street. There will be a Scripture Service beginning at 5:00 PM.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday January 20, 2020 at 11:00 AM at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 150 S. Enterprise St. Bowling Green, Ohio. Father Tom McQuillen will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Grand Rapids, Ohio where Military Honors will be rendered by the Wood County Honor Detail.
Memorial contributions may be given in his memory to Bridge Hospice or a charity of the donor’s choice.
To share an online condolence or a fond memory with the Stockner family, please visit dunnfuneralhome.com.
