James A. Bilimek
October 26, 1932 — August 26, 2008
75, of rural Ohio City, died at 5 a.m. Tuesday, August 26, 2008, at Van Wert County Hospital in Van Wert.
He was born October 26, 1932, in Delphos, the son of the late Charles O. and Mildred (Dunifon) Bilimek. On October 23, 1950, he married Mary "Betty" (Murphy Townsend) Bilimek, who survives in Ohio City.
Mr. Bilimek was a journeyman/lead man in the machine shop at the former Aeroquip Corporation plant in Van Wert, from which he retired after 37 years of service. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and bowler. He enjoyed the time spent with family, painting, and loved playing cards. He had first served in the Ohio National Guard and later served in the U.S. Navy on board the USS Coral Sea during the Korean War.
In addition to his wife, survivors include eight children, Barb Thompson of Van Wert, C. James Bilimek and Joe (Connie) Bilimek, both of Van Wert, Richard (Vickie) Bilimek of Middle Point; Chris (Gene) Allmandinger of Glenmore, Ginny (Darryl) Ricketts and Mike (Dorothy) Bilimek, both of Rockford, and Dede (Rick) Runyon of Ohio City; nine sisters, Margaret (Francis) Dixon, Doris Struzik and Cheryn (Don) Sidle, all of Van Wert, Norma (Ray) Bayless of Maud, Texas, Pat Naylor of Torbalinda, Calif., Judy (Nate) Wilder of Dayton, and Cora (John) Theis, Kathy (Gig) Kimmet and Betty Dickman, all of Delphos; five brothers, Bob (Betty) Bilimek of Maud, Texas, LeRoy (Marla) Bilimek of Redwater, Texas, and Tom (Oleta) Bilimek, Harold (Nan) Bilimek and Carl (Linda) Bilimek, all of Delphos; 34 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren.
A brother-in-law, Dick Dickman, also preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 30, at Brickner Funeral Home in Van Wert, with Father Mike Zacharias officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Ohio City.
The family will receive visitors from noon-8 p.m. Friday, August 29, and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ohio City Fire & EMS Department of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church.