James S. Rodriguez, 86, of Celina, Ohio passed away on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at the Celina Manor Nursing Home.

He was born the son of Benito and Ninfa (Sauceda) Rodriquez in Crystal City, Texas on December 30, 1936. On June 9, 1960 he married Betty L. Norris, who preceded him in death on May 16, 2014.

He is survived by his five children Maria Scott, Janet (Philip) Ward, David Rodriguez, Joseph Rodriguez all of Celina and Elizabeth Rodriguez of Ravenna. He is also survived by fifteen grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren and his brother-in-law Cato Briones of Ft. Wayne.

He was preceded in death by his Father, Mother, Wife and six siblings; Rosa Briones, Ray (Alice) Rodriguez, Ben (Ruth) Rodriguez, Henry (Beth) Rodriguez, Carmen (David) Voskuhl, Lalo (Lavada) Rodriguez.

James was a decorated Vietnam Veteran, who proudly served his country for twenty-two years in the United Sates Army. He served in Korea and completed two tours in the Vietnam War, with the 1st Abrahams Unit until he retired in 1977. He was also employed at Good Year in St. Marys for twenty years until he retired in 2001.

He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Celina and the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #5713 in Celina.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Celina, with Fr. Rob Muhlenkamp officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Marys Catholic Cemetery in Celina.

A visitation for friends and family will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26,2023 and from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Friday morning at the Lehman-Dzendzel Funeral Home in Celina.     

Memorial contributions may be made to the Immaculate Conception Endowment Fund 229 W. Anthony St. Celina, Ohio 45822.

Condolences may be shared with the Rodriguez family on-line at LehmanDzendzelFH.com.