James Phillip “Jim” Geitz, of Wellston, passed away Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at the Jenkins Care Community in Wellston, Ohio. He was born September 29, 1939, in Hammond, Indiana to the late Harold J. Geitz of Wellston and Veda Paine of Pompano Beach, Florida.
Jim attended Kiski Preparatory School in Pennsylvania and graduated from Wellston High School in 1957. He attended Miami University before serving in the US Air Force at Stead AFB in Reno, Nevada, where he was a survival instructor. After the Air Force, Jim worked at Frick Gallagher Mfg. in Wellston, Ohio and Crane Cam in Florida. He then moved back to Jackson, Ohio, where he owned the Colonial Restaurant for 17 years.
Jim was definitely an outdoorsman. He spent many hours of his life “Trekking thru the Woods.” A pack on his back and a small tent, traveling with friends, made Jim happy.
Jim was a Paramedic for SEOEMS in Jackson County, Ohio and Pawley’s Island Rescue Squad, and was a patient Hospice Volunteer in Pawley’s Island. Jim served with the Ski Patrol in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. One of his proudest accomplishments was traveling to Philmont, New Mexico with the Jackson County Boy Scouts. Jim was a member of the Black Diamond Masonic Lodge #538 F&AM, Elks Lodge #466, Knights of Columbus and a two-term Councilman-at-Large in Wellston.
While living in South Carolina, he loved living on the golf course at the Heritage Plantation and playing golf for many years. He was an active member of St Mary’s Our Lady of Ransom Church, Georgetown, South Carolina.
In 1992, Jim and Bonnie were reacquainted after 32 years apart. They were married in 1993 in The Virgin Islands while camping on the beach. Later, they moved to Pawley’s Island, South Carolina where they resided at the Heritage Plantation. They lived on the golf course, where Jim either practiced or played golf daily. They were “living the dream.” Because of failing health, they returned to Ohio.
Jim was a quiet, soft-spoken man who was a true gentleman. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Jim is survived by his wife, Bonnie Garrison Geitz; sister, Ceil Plummer (Jeff); stepchildren: Kerry Schwarzenberg (Jeff Kesler) and Patrick Smith (Dann); step-grandchildren: Spencer and Sophie Schwarzenberg; best friend, Bill Kimble; and daughters: Deirdre Osthoff and Brooke Hatfield.
In keeping with Jim’s wishes, his body was cremated. A memorial service will be held at a later date. For those who wish, the family would appreciate contributions in Jim’s memory be given to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 227 South New York Avenue, Wellston, Ohio 45692 or Jackson County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1, Jackson, Ohio 45640. Arrangements are under the direction of the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com