James S. "Jim" Burkheimer, 47, of Van Wert, Ohio, was peacefully called home to be with Jesus on Sunday, August 14, while at OSU Ross Heart Hospital surrounded by his family.

Jim was born November 20, 1968, in Van Wert, OH to Cloyd M. "Stoney" Burkheimer, Jr. and Patricia (McCune) Burkheimer.

He was a 1987 graduate of Van Wert High School, and he fondly recounted memories of football and wrestling. On November 12, 1994, he married Ava Kay (Alt), of Celina, Ohio.

He is survived by his mother, Patricia; his brothers, Joshua and Christopher; his grandfather, Don Steinebrugge; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, "Stoney"; his brother Brent; and his maternal grandmother, Miriam Steinebrugge.

Jim was a fun-loving, kind man who loved spending time with family and friends, and he was so blessed to be called a "brother" and "uncle" to various members of the Smith/McIntosh families.

Jim loved Michigan football, Philadelphia Eagles, and NASCAR racing. He also very much enjoyed selling tickets for a variety of Van Wert High School athletic events. He was a member of Trinity Friends Church, and he deeply loved the Lord.

Jim made a difference in and influenced many lives in his work at Huffy Bicycle, the W.O.R.T.H. Center, Van Wert City Schools, and with the Amish community.

Visitation will be held at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert, Thursday, August 18 from 2-8 p.m. and one hour prior to funeral services on Friday at the church.

The funeral service will be held at Trinity Friends Church at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 19. Graveside service will be held on Friday, August 19 at 2:00 p.m. at Kossuth Cemetery in Kossuth, Ohio.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.alspachgearhart.com.