James Gayheart Obituary

James Dewey Gayheart

James "Jim" Dewey Gayheart, 71, died Friday, March 31, 2023, in Fostoria.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Christina (Dylan) Tiell; granddaughter, Sophia Mae of Fostoria; and sister, Sherrie Jones of Grosse Pointe, Michigan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin and Dorothy Gayheart.

Jim was born Nov. 10, 1951, in Martin, Kentucky. He graduated from Hopewell-Loudon High School in 1970 and worked for 30 years making Autolite Sparkplugs in Fostoria and being an active member of UAW Local 533, retiring in 2006.

Following retirement, Jim's dream of living in Florida materialized and he settled in the Tampa Bay area until 2022, returning to Fostoria to be closer to his family whom he loved dearly. In his free time, he loved watching old westerns and mafia movies, many of which he could quote by heart, and telling stories of his wilder days. As he always said, he never missed a good party. We remember him fondly each time "Friends in Low Places" plays. Those closest to him will remember him singing along in his snake skinned boots, western themed belt buckles, and signature Zippo lighter.

No memorial service or funeral is planned at this time.

The family asks that you partake in a shot of Crown Royal with your closest family and friends in his memory celebrating his larger-than-life character.