James P. Geis, 64, Wapakoneta, died at 7:35 p.m. July 29, 2013, at his residence following a nearly two year battle with cancer.

He was born Dec. 15, 1948, in Sidney, the son of Bernard and Cleopha Nuss Geis. He married Debora Potbury on June 27, 1975, and she survives at the residence.

He is also survived by his three children, Laura (Ryan) Brandt of St. Marys, Daniel (Crystal) Geis of Winfield, Mo., and Scott Geis of Wapakoneta; three grandchildren, Seth, Aleah and Hannah Brandt; three brothers, Jerome (Brenda) Geis of Botkins, Carl (Sue) Geis of Botkins and Patrick (June) Geis of Botkins; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He was a 1968 graduate of Botkins High School and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served a tour of duty in Vietnam. He had been employed as a welder at Brown Industrial in Botkins for many years and retired from Honda of America in Anna. He also enjoyed assisting his son-in-law in the operation of Big Dog Steel in St. Marys.

He loved being outdoors, golfing and going camping. He loved welding and recycling metal into new, useful tools. He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in St. Marys. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Funeral rites are 10:30 a.m. Friday at the First Church of the Nazarene in St. Marys, the Rev. Tim Smith officiant. Burial is at Elm Grove Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post 323 and VFW Post 9289.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Thursday at Miller-Long and Folk Funeral Home in St. Marys.

Memorial gifts may be given to the First Church of the Nazarene.

Condolences may be left at Millerfuneralhomes.net.