James "Jim" M. Holzemer

James M. Holzemer passed away on May 6, 2025 at Hospice Perrysburg. He was born on August 30, 1935 in Toledo, OH to John and Margaret Holzemer. James was the oldest of 3 children. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1953 and attended the University of Toledo and Mary Manse College before starting a family of his own. Jim spent over 40 years as a public servant; 30 of those years were spent in elected positions. He spent 4 years as a state representative and another 24 as Lucas county commissioner, 15 of those years as board president. During his time as board president he served with 9 different commissioners; 6 democrats and 3 republicans, a testament to his commitment to reach across the aisle and find common ground. Throughout his time as commissioner he helped create and chair a multitude of organizations such as Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments, Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, the Corrections Commission of Northwest Ohio, the Convention and Visitor's Bureau, and Lucas County Emergency Medical Services. In the 1970s, he advocated for paid health benefits for county employees, led the effort to build the Lucas county jail, and along with cooperation from rural commissioners and county sheriffs facilitated the development and construction of the regional jail in Stryker, Ohio. In 1985, he was selected to serve as the president of the Commissioner's association. Jim proudly served on many different boards including Compass, Toledo Zoo, Josina Lott, Bethany House, and Hospice of Northwest Ohio. He was an avid golfer and longtime member of Heatherdowns Country Club, where he and his wife Janice made long-lasting friendships. They both were lucky enough to get a hole in one. Jim went on to record two more, giving him a total of three holes in one. Jim was a creature of habit; he stayed active with daily walks, golfing and working out three days a week. He was a very punctual man, always on time for Saturday morning breakfast with his life long friends, enjoying a cup of coffee and good conversation. Jim was an original member of Saint Joan of Arc Parish and lectured for thirty years. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brother John and loving wife of 58 years, Janice. He is survived by his sister Mary Cornell and sister in law Claudia Holzemer, his three children, Mark (Dena), Matthew (Beth), and daughter Amy (Stewart) Jones. Grandpa Jim could always be found at one of his eight grandchildren's athletic events over the years. Those survivors include Rachel (Mitchell) Mielcarek, Chelsey (Andrew) White, Jacob Holzemer, M.D., Jimmy Holzemer, Nicole (Max) Krise, Zachary (Abby) Jones, Joshua Holzemer, Major Cassandra Jones and husband Christopher Micklitz. He is also survived by ten great grandchildren which brought him great joy. Laila, Joseph, Evelyn, Vivian, Dean, Olivia, Matilda, Boone, Matthew and Birdie, as well as many nieces and nephews. May the road rise to meet you May the wind be always at your back May the sun shine warm upon your face The rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again may god hold you in the palm of his hands. In Lieu of flowers please consider donations to Hospice of Northwest OH, Bethany House or Open Door Ministry. Friends may visit at the Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd., on Thursday, May 15 from 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. Additional visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc Church, 5856 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, Ohio 43614 on Friday, May 16 until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be private, at a later date, at Resurrection Cemetery. Please view Jim's video tribute and leave a condolence message at CoyleFuneralHome.com.

James "Jim" M. Holzemer

August 30, 1935 - May 6, 2025