James R Denger

James R. Denger, 69 years old, of Amherst, Ohio passed away Sunday, April 13, 2025. Born in Elyria, Ohio on June 5, 1955 to Charles and Geraldine Denger, James led a life of devotion to his family and friends.

James was enjoying retirement since retiring from BASF (formerly Harshaw) in Elyria, Ohio after 46 years as a laborer.

He possessed a servant’s heart and relished his role as a helper and fixer for others. Countless individuals could depend upon him to make car/home/motorcycle repairs or tackle a project alongside him.

He was a good neighbor to those he lived around for nearly 40 years. He looked out for his neighbors in numerous ways: clearing their driveway and sidewalk of snow, mowing the lawn, and simply checking in on them.

James spent a significant amount of his time tinkering in his garage and doing projects around his home and yard. He had a nearly life-long hobby of riding and working on Harley Davidsons, even building one from a box of parts as a teen, a 1946 Knucklehead, a bike he was still kicking.

He was a loving Dad to Justina Johnson of Westerville, Ohio. They shared a strong bond, one in which his unconditional love was ever-present. He also shared a strong bond with Miranda Taylor of Elyria, Ohio who called him Pops and cherished him as her Dad. He loved her as his own daughter since the day she was born. He was a proud Papa to Gianna and Isaac of Westerville, Ohio. Also left to cherish his memory are his son-in-law Toby Johnson of Westerville, Ohio, sisters Barbara (Tom) Baker of Grafton, Ohio, Carolyn Denger of Hampton, Virginia and brother David Denger of Tampa, Florida, several nieces and nephews, and numerous friends he counted as family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Charles A., and sister, Georgina Bair.

James touched many lives with his kindness. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to celebrate a life well-lived, and keep James’ memory alive by spending time doing activities that he enjoyed and that brought joy to others.

The family will receive friends at the Reichlin Roberts Bollinger Funeral Home, 327 Cleveland St., Elyria on Wednesday, April 23 from 10:00 am until the funeral service at noon, followed by the interment at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst.

www.reichlinrobertsbollinger.com