James Freeman Billings

James F. "Jim" Billings, 82, of Clyde, Ohio, passed away Monday, September 16, 2024. He was surrounded by his family.
Jim was born on January 31, 1942, to Alfred James and Dorothy (Eschenauer) Billings. He graduated from Clyde High School in 1960. Jim married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Gillett, on February 10, 1962.
Along with Carolyn, he is survived by his children, Tim (Christy Shoemaker), Tom (Peggy Hire), and Mike (Jenny Kline) all of Clyde; grandchildren, Brooke (Ethan) Ott, Aric (Britney Bennett) Billings, Robert (Christina Robinson) Billings, Samual (Natalie Dunn) Billings, Keyli Billings, Stephanie Billings, Lisa (Seth) Williams, and Logan Kessler; great grandchildren, Braxton and Grady Ott, Alex Robinson, and Amelia Williams; and sister, Jeanette Billings, along with nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law, Staci Billings; and sister, Virginia Wilson.
Along with his family, Jim's other two loves were his business and his boats.
Jim was the fourth-generation owner of Billings Sales and Service in Clyde. The business recently celebrated their 100th anniversary. Through the years, Jim's jobs included delivering coal and fuel oil for home heating; repairing customers' cars; pumping gas; purchasing inventory; and selling new Ramblers, American Motor Cars and Jeeps, and late model cars and trucks.
He semi-retired in 2009 to concentrate on his love of boating and family. Jim enjoyed over 43 years of boating with a variety of boats. He purchased his first boat in 1983. His last, and favorite boat, Da Boaty, gave him 22 great summers fishing, cruising, and entertaining family and friends.
Services are being held at Mitchell-Auxter Funeral Home, 218 S. Main St. in Clyde. Visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, September 19th from 2pm - 8pm and Friday September 20th from 10am to 11am with funeral services starting at 11:00am. Services will be followed by his burial at McPherson Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Clyde, Stein Hospice, or a charity of your choice.