James G. Schmackers, age 79, of Philothea, died Friday, July 3, 2020, at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton.

He was born August 25, 1940, in Celina to the late Henry & Anna (Lefeld) Schmackers. On September 26, 1959, he married Gerri (Heckman) who survives in Philothea. He is also survived by his children Mike & Sally Schmackers of Celina, Dave & Alexa Schmackers of Philothea, Joan & Jim DeArmond of Celina, Sandy & Randy Kaiser of Coldwater, Deb & Shawn Morris of Philothea and Tom Schmackers of Philothea; 18 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law Don & Marge Heckman of Greenville.

He was preceded in death by a son Doug Schmackers and brothers, Victor & Mary Ann Schmackers and Louis & Clementine Schmackers.

He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Philothea, the Coldwater Knights of Columbus, Coldwater Eagles, the Ohio Progressive Sportsman's Club and a lifetime member of the NRA. Jim started working at Hemmelgarn's in Philothea and founded Morning Fresh Superior Foods in 1975. Jim had a deep love for his family, all things outdoors and for all of the friendships that he formed through the business and at the farm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 AM Wednesday July 8, 2020 at Holy Trinity Church, Coldwater. Friends may call from 2 to 8 pm on Tuesday, July 7th and 9 to 10 am on Wednesday at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Coldwater. Condolences may be left at www.hogenkampfh.com.