Jim "J.R." Mustard, age 75, of Celina, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, at his residence in Celina.

He was born on Oct. 21, 1945, in Van Wert, Ohio, to the late James Richard and Rosina (Marsh) Mustard. On Aug. 19, 1967, he married Jane Buckloh, who survives, living in Celina.

Jim is also survived by his two children Chad (Sasivimol) Mustard of Leesburg, Va., and Crista (Dean) Winner of Celina; four grandchildren Samantha Winner, Ethan Winner, Andrew Winner and Spencer James Mustard; and two brothers and sister-in-law Charles (Donna) Mustard and Jack Mustard, both of Celina.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, William Mustard.

He graduated from Celina High School with the class of 1963, then received his Bachelor's degree from Manchester College. Furthering his education, Jim obtained his Master's in Educational Psychology from Miami University and received advanced training in education from The Ohio State University. Jim's career as an educator spanned a period of 30 years with retirement in 1996.

After initially teaching in the Troy School System, he started with Celina City Schools as the first school psychologist in 1972. Much of his career was as Director of Pupil Personnel in Celina, during which time he initiated innovative educational programs. Jim started the Head Start program in Celina which was the first in the state of Ohio. He designed an evening adult vocational education program that has grown into the present-day Tri-Star. During his tenure at Celina City Schools, he successfully secured numerous educational grants.

Jim served in multiple roles as an elected official for the City of Celina. Over a period of 15 years he proudly served the community as a member of the City Council, Council President and Mayor for the citizens of Celina. Doing things for the good of the community became his focus during retirement. As a hobby, Jim wrote grants for numerous schools, cities and towns throughout a multistate area. He was a co-founder of the Celina Rotary Club and later a co-founder of the Grand Lake Rotary Club. He served as a board member on a variety of organizations and recently as a board member for Mercer Residential Services.

Jim was a proud "Papa" for his family and found strength in the energy and vitality of his grandchildren. He always placed family members needs and wellbeing before his own. He was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church in Celina.

Honoring Jim's wishes there will be no public visitation.

A private family service is being arranged.

Jim wanted all to remember his life and love for the community, therefore, the Mustard family encourages all of those Jim has touched to express themselves through stories, remembrances and condolences online at Lehman-Dzendzel Funeral Home website, LehmanDzendelFH.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 113 N. Council St, Muncie, Ind., 47305, or through the website, www.heart.org.