James B. "Jim" Carothers

James B. Carothers, 67, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday February 27, 2011. Appreciated by many in our community, Jim was supported by family, friends, and Memorial Home Health Services and Hospice and North Coast Cancer Center during the 3 years he courageously battled prostate cancer. Jim was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on September 27, 1944. He moved to Clyde in 1948 as the eldest son of James C. and Rosalyn D. Carothers. Jim attended Clyde Schools and graduated with his wife, Rae Ann (Lewis) Carothers in 1962. He graduated from Olivet College, Olivet, Michigan and was married in 1966. Jim was called to the Army in October 1966, was trained at Fort. Carson, Colorado, and served on the DMZ in Korea. In 1968-69 Jim taught his first of 30 years in classroom 5B at Green Springs School. For the first 23 years of teaching he coached Jr. High wrestling and track. Jim was an avid golfer, bowler, and softball player. He made many friends at the Clyde VFW, Moose, and Eagles. The varsity wrestling program requested him as head coach in 1991-92. He worked with a power house team that year - traveling with them to state competition. After the final wrestling session he strapped the 2nd place trophy in the front seat of his van and drove on home from Wright State in Dayton. A joyous fire engine parade followed on Sunday. Jim, his fellow coaching staff, and another group of fine wrestlers bested their record in 1995, bringing home first place - Clyde High School Division II. He was honored as the 1996 Division II Wrestling Coach of the Year by the Ohio High School Wrestling Coaches Association.He continued to serve as a coach and a volunteer for the Clyde Wrestling Program through last season. James was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Don Beeken. Surviving and missing him is his wife Rae Ann, daughters Trisha L. Widman (Dana) and Megan R. Carothers-Lee (Holman), grandsons Garrett and Nathan Widman, brother Thomas Carothers (Sandy), sisters Susan Carter (Robert), and Connie Beeken as well as 10 nieces and nephews. Family burial will be at McPherson Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 from 2-4:00 PM and 6-8:00 PM at the Mitchell-Auxter Funeral Home, 218 South Main St., Clyde, Ohio. The funeral will be on Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 11:00 AM at theFirst Presbyterian Church, Forest St., Clyde officiated by Pastor Dave Gowen and Rev. Robert Carter Dinner immediately following the memorial service at the Clyde VFW Banquet Hall, W. Maple St. Sadly missed, but forever in our minds and hearts, we say rest in peace Jim, rest in peace.