Dr. James E. Roeth Jr., age 70, of New Bremen, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at 4:54 AM at the Mercer Health Hospital in Coldwater.

He was born on August 29, 1950 in Piqua, the son of the late James E. "Bud" Roeth, Sr. and Ruth L. (Jackson) Roeth who survives in Bradford. On October 20, 1972 he married Kay Denniston, and she survives in New Bremen.

Also surviving are his children Gina (Matt) Tangeman of New Bremen, Julie (Josh) Clune of Minster, and Pete (Clinton McKay) Roeth of Bloomington, IN; his grandchildren: Jacob (girlfriend Madison Pape), Ellie, and Cale Tangeman, along with Jayden and Brooke Clune. Also left to cherish his memory are his siblings: Melody (Lowell) Rhoades of Versailles, Eddie (Cherie) Roeth of Covington, Patty (Gary) Mason of Bradford, Connie (Steve Wion) Sargent of Bradford, and Gay (Darrin) Cascaden of Troy; his mother in-law Wavelene Denniston of Greenville; his in-laws: Kathy (Jeff) Girdler of Virginia Beach, VA, Phyllis Hiestand of Union City, OH, Rodney (Lori) Denniston of Richmond, IN, Jack Denniston of Union City, IN, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Along with his father he was also preceded in death by his father in-law Donald Denniston.

He was a 1968 graduate of Bradford High School and he graduated with his bachelor's degree from Urbana College. He went on to further his education at Ball State University, earning his master's and doctorate degrees. He began his educational career as a 4th grade teacher at Ansonia. He then moved on to Mississinawa Valley where he was a principal for five years before becoming the Superintendent for ten years. After that he came to New Bremen, where he was the Superintendent for another ten years before his retirement. He later assumed the role of elementary principal at St. Marys West for five years.

Jim was a member of Faith Alliance Church in New Bremen where he had been an adult Sunday school teacher for a number of years. He also spent time assisting his brother farming for many years. In his spare time, he loved to go fishing, enjoyed playing cards with his friends, and was an avid sports enthusiast. His favorite activity was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was so proud of each one and loved to watch their various sporting activities.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 10:30 A.M. at Faith Alliance Church in New Bremen with Pastor Trent Feldderjohann officiating. Interment will follow in the German Protestant Cemetery of New Bremen.

Calling hours will take place on Friday, July 23, 2021 from 3:00 until 7:00 PM, and one hour prior to the services on Saturday, all at Faith Alliance Church.

Memorial contributions in memory of Jim can be made to the New Bremen Education Foundation (C/O: New Bremen Foundation, P.O. Box 97, New Bremen, Ohio 45869).

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home, and condolences to the family can be left online at www.gilberghartwigfh.com.