James Speaker Obituary

James Allen "Jim" Speaker

James Allen "Jim" Speaker, 76, of Tiffin, passed away at 3:45 p.m. Monday, August 11, 2025, at St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima.

Jim was born June 11, 1949, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, to Lester Ralph and Maxine Ruth (Cleveland). He married Kathleen Sutter on March 15, 1991, in Port Richey, Florida, and they spent 34 wonderful years together snowbirding in Florida, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and laughing with each other every day. She survives in Tiffin.

Jim's other survivors include his daughters, Jennifer (Nathan) Speaker-Parcel of Bowling Green and Juli Frankart of Findlay; grandson, Brandon (Kevin Mahlum) Shook of Columbus; granddaughters, Alecia (Jake) Beardsley of Columbus and Bria Frankart of Findlay; great-granddaughter, Hallie Anne Beardsley of Columbus; sister, Sandra Garrett of Florence, Alabama; brother, Tris (Carol) Speaker of Elmore; nephew and best friend, Steve (Meggan) Garrett of Muscle Shoals, Alabama; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and many lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and son, Anthony J. "Spud" Speaker.

Jim graduated from Columbian High School in 1967. He spent most of his time after school participating in track and cross country. He was a member of the very first cross country team and as a senior, he was named co-captain. Throughout his career, he broke the school record (more than once), was a state qualifier, a three-year letter man, and was also named MVP.

In May 1970, Jim was drafted and spent 13 months in Vietnam as a radio operator for the MACV Advisory Team 87 attached to the 87th ARVN Infantry Division. His duty station was on top of Nui Ba Dan (Black Virgin Mountain) in Tay Ninh Province. He was honorably discharged in December 1971 and received the following medals: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two stars, and Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device.

Jim received his degree in Food Service Management from Terra Community College in 1976. He spent many years of his life managing multiple restaurants including Mohawk Country Club, Secrets/Civic Center, the Original Taco Bell in Tiffin, and most recently, AMVETS Post #48.

He was integral in the formation and growth of AMVETS Post #48. He was part of the team that purchased the land and the building where the current canteen is located. In 1991, he was hired as the canteen manager and made it his mission to grow the club and all of its services. He held various Post offices in addition to his employment including Commander, multiple times. Jim was recognized at the state and national levels for his service to the AMVETS through successful membership campaigns. Because of his love and dedication to AMVETS Post #48, the club will be re-named in his honor as the James A. Speaker AMVETS Post #48 in the near future. In addition to the Amvets, he was also a member of the Moose, Eagles, Elks, American Legion and a life member of DAV and VFW.

Over the last 30 years, he served on the Seneca County United Veterans Council funeral detail, fundraised and volunteered for organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project, Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes (Formerly JDRF), Hospice, F.A.C.T, Tiffin City Parks, Tiffin Youth Football, City League Baseball, and Seneca County Veterans Service Commission. In 2018, he was honored to receive the Veteran of the Year Award from the Seneca County Juvenile Court due to his bravery, leadership, commitment to freedom and personal sacrifice for our great country. He was an Ordained Minister for the Universal Life Church and it gave him great pleasure to marry his friends and family over the years.

Jim's public graveside service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, August 23, 2025, at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery with military rites being rendered by the United Veterans Council. Immediately following the graveside service, a celebration of Jim's life will take place at AMVETS Post #48 in Tiffin and all are welcome to attend.

Engle-Shook Funeral Home & Crematory, Tiffin, is assisting family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to AMVETS Post #48 to support the James A. Speaker scholarship fund.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.shookfamilyfh.com.