James L. Kiefer

James L. Kiefer, age 80 of Massillon, died Friday, May 16, 2008 at Affinity Medical Center-Doctor’s Campus. He was born on September 8, 1927 in Massillon, Ohio and was the son of the late Leo Peter & Marcella Mary (Griffith) Kiefer. He was a lifelong area resident. Following his graduation from Washington High School in 1945, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving at the end of World War II. He worked at Griscom-Russell until they closed, then worked for General Motors as a welder until his retirement. Jimmy was a life member of the Massillon Fraternal Order of the Eagles #190.which he joined 61 years ago. He held every office at the local and state level. He was secretary of the club for 37 years. He was the state Eagles bowling tournament manager for 21 years. He was elected Eagles state president in 1989 and then Grand Aerie secretary in 1990. He was inducted into the Ohio State Aerie Hall of Fame and was honored to be named “Father of the Year”, “Grandfather of the Year” and “Eagle of the Century.” Besides being a devoted husband, father and grandfather, he was an avid bowler, Massillon Tiger Fan and season ticket holder and a Cleveland Indians fan. He was involved with many local civic functions. He was a life member of the Massillon Elks Lodge Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Donna J. Kiefer in 2004, his grandson Michael Kiefer and his great grandchildren, Christopher Gowins and Sara MacDonald. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Kenneth & Marsha Kiefer of Winchester, VA, Karen & R.J. Wonsick of Dalton, OH, Kathryn & Tim Slinger of Massillon and Kregg & Caroline Kiefer of Buxton, NC, 15 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and his brothers and their wives, Ronnie & Sandy Kiefer of Canton and Bill & Karen Kiefer of Massillon, his sister in laws, Mary Kulick of Massillon and Nancy (Michael) Mathias of Marathon, FL. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday at 1:00 P.M. at the Paquelet Funeral Home with Rev. Walter Jordan officiating. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. and on Wednesday one hour before the service. The F.O.E. 190 will hold a service on Tuesday at 5:30 P.M. Memorials may be made to Boy’s Village, P.O. Box 518, Smithville, OH 44677. Paquelet – A Golden Rule Funeral Home 1100 Wales Road NE, Massillon, Ohio 330-833-3222