James R. Etzinger

Jim Etzinger had a significant impact on many lives over his 83 years on this earth as he was a great teacher, a man of much patience and an incredible role model. He passed peacefully at home on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, and was blessed to have those he loved by his side throughout his battle with pancreatic cancer.

Jim was born December 5, 1941, in Bucyrus to the late Carl R. and Mary (Shaffstall) Etzinger. He was a 1959 graduate of Bucyrus High School and later earned his associate degree in engineering from NC State College. Shortly after high School, Jim enlisted with the Navy and was stationed aboard the USS Tusk. During this time, he gained a great deal of knowledge in electrical engineering, something that would aid him for the rest of his life. Following his discharge, Jim returned home and worked for a period at Cobey Mfg., before joining General Electric, where he was a valued employee, working as an engineer until retiring in 2002.

While at GE, he admired Miriam Gerhart Louis from afar and it was a colleague who introduced the pair. They found their soulmates in one another and were married in June of 1977. Their relationship and talents allowed them to complement one another throughout their lives until her passing on December 18, 2019.

Jim loved 50s and 60s music and was a gifted drummer. He played drums as a member of the Teen Towners, Bucyrus’ first rock-n-roll band and later played for The Jade Ends and The Esquires. Throughout his career, he performed countless shows throughout the surrounding states. Even after his band days, Jim never lost his love for music or the drums. He recently purchased two drum sets (to keep his skills sharp) and was always up for a trip to Metronome Music, where he would just chat casually with employees and admire the equipment. Also, it was common to hear him drumming on his steering wheel while driving or tapping his foot on the bedpost while resting. A true drummer at heart.

When it came to building things, completing projects or creating items he or others envisioned; to say that Jim was talented is a complete understatement. There was nothing he failed to accomplish when he put his mind to any task. He was truly amazing and has many friends and family who are thankful for his efforts and talents.

In addition to woodworking skills and playing drums, Jim also enjoyed an occasional trip to the casino, where he enjoyed playing the slot machines. Thirteen was his favorite card game and he conquered many challenging puzzles over the years. He liked to fish and no matter what Jim was in to, he always had a cup of black coffee in hand.

Jim was a member of the Bucyrus United Methodist Church and was also very active and present with anything involving his family.

He is survived by children, Steve (Mary) Louis, Glenda Leuthold, Brenda (Richard) Myers, Rhonda (Jamie) Fox, Dean Etzinger, and Matthew “Scott” (Kathy) Etzinger; grandchildren, Alison (Andrew) Oswald, Kasey (Ben) Ziska, Shelby (Nic) Hunter, Ansley (Brad Chapman) Myers and Shane (Leslie) Etzinger; great grandchildren, Lukas, Griffin, Adele, Quinn, Elly, Avery, Ryker, Riley and Memphis; brothers-in-law, Jim Stineman, Victor Cassaro and Walter Schimpf as well as many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by parents, Carl Etzinger and Mary (Shaffstall) Etzinger Dowler; wife, Miriam; grandson, Taylor Etzinger; daughter-in-law, Ruth Ann Etzinger and a sister, Carol Stineman.

His family will receive friends from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm Monday, September 1 at Wise Funeral Service. His funeral service will follow at Wise Funeral Service at 11:00 am Tuesday, September 2 with Pastor Matt Anderson officiating. Burial will follow in Brokensword Cemetery with Military Rites provided by the Navy Honor Guard and the Bucyrus Veterans Military Funeral Detail.

If desired, donations can be made payable to Bucyrus United Methodist Church for the Missions Committee, The Taylor House (named after Taylor Etzinger) or to a charity of the donor’s choice. These gifts will be accepted through the funeral home and expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on his guestbook at www.wisefuneral.com.