James Bechtel

James H. Bechtel Sr., 84, passed away at 2;50 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026, at St. Rita’s Medical Center.

James was born on March 1, 1942, in Lima, Ohio, to Harold and Faye (Johnson) Bechtel. On October 21, 1959, he married Sondra Joan (White) Bechtel, who survives in Lima.

James was an avid deer hunter in the old days. He was into classic cars and restoration. He had his own upholstery Business, Classic Auto Trim. James also worked for Ford for 30 years. In the 60’s he drag raced and was a gearhead and rode Harley’s for awhile. James loves the Cleveland Browns, Ohio State and Trump.

Along with his wife he is survived by his children, Deborah Henry, Dawn (Mike) Coburn, and James (Gracie) Bechtel Jr.; grandchildren, Matthew Shumaker, Mallory Berrios and Morgan Sergeant; great-grandchildren, Isaiah Shumaker, Wyatt “Gus” Shumaker, Evan Myers, Delilah Coburn, Emerson Sergeant and Hunter Berrios; and sister, Karen (Harold) Van Horn.

He was preceded in death by brothers, Dean and Gary Bechtel; a daughter, Darla Dee Bechtel; a son-in-law Derek Henry; and a granddaughter, Nicole Myers.

The family will receive friends from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima, Ohio. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Pastor Damian Tibbs will officiate. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Lima.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s.

Arrangements handled by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.