James H. Guinther

James Harold Guinther, 79, of Bucyrus, died Friday, March 15, 2024 at OhioHealth Mansfield as result of a stroke.

Jim was born on the family farm in Bucyrus on June 26, 1944 to the late Harold E. and Dorothy L. (Kiess) Guinther. He spent 11 years attending school at North Robinson and was in the first graduating class at Col. Crawford in 1962. He married Darlene A. Duffner on August 23, 1969. Jim absolutely adored her for 50 years of marriage and was heartbroken when she passed on September 18, 2019.

Jim’s entire life was spent on or around the farm. At a very young age, he helped his grandpa, who used horses to work the land and spent years farming with his dad until his passing. Jim was a proud dairy farmer for 39 years before just grain farming. With their farm being a family affair, even Darlene, his girls, other family, and friends including Ralph Hart were all hands on, doing what was needed to complete the daily tasks.  Over the years, their farm had a variety of colorful tractors. Red, orange, and green, and most of them helped to get the job done. These tractors were another passion of Jim’s. He loved to collect them, work on them, rebuild them and certainly drove them. He was glad to be part of tractor drives, to display and see all the other tractors/machinery at different shows. A fond memory of Jim’s was driving a 1937 Allis Chalmers Model WC across the Mackinac Bridge during the 2022 Tractor Crossing.

Jim was happiest around people, especially his family. Following the passing of Darlene, Jim learned that he was going to become a grandpa, which gave him a new purpose in life. Papa, as he was referred to by little Liam, made time together fun. They did all sorts of activities including reading, coloring, playing games and playing with toy tractors but nothing made them happier than going for an actual tractor ride. He always wanted to be with his girls and was very proud of their accomplishments. If he was ever around a stranger, they soon became friends, as Jim was never shy about striking up a conversation with anyone. He loved making people laugh and had a joke for everyone and every occasion.

Jim was a member of Bucyrus UMC (formerly Grace UMC); an honorary member of both Col. Crawford and Wynford FFA, an organization which he was extremely supportive and served as a mentor for many youth along the way. He was a founding member of the Crawford Antique Farm Machinery Association and whenever their museum had a gathering, you could count on Jim to share his knowledge with guests. He was a former member of Farm Bureau and the Moose Lodge 669 and looked forward to gathering with the Boys of ’62 for coffee at the Pelican House to catch up on life.

Jim is survived by daughters, Becky (Tyler) Snyder and Samantha (Tim) Moomaw; grandson, Liam James Moomaw; sisters, Judy (Isaac) Shupe and Shirley McAlister; nephew, Brian Caldwell who he viewed like a son and several other nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place from 4-8 pm Wednesday, March 20 at Bucyrus United Methodist Church, 227 S. Walnut St., where his funeral will be held at 11:00 am Thursday with Pastor Becky Stephens officiating. Following his funeral, Jim’s body will be transported by one of his tractors and travel past his home on Crestline Road enroute to Oakwood Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest next to his wife, Darlene.

Jim wasn’t much for flowers and his family specifically request that if there’s a desire to do something, they ask guests to consider a donation payable to Crawford Antique Farm Machinery Association (CAFMA) or to Ohio FFA. These gifts will be accepted through Wise Funeral Service or at the church on days of his services. Expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on his guestbook.