James "Elge" A. M. Hemmelgarn, age 69, of rural Celina, Ohio passed away on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at his residence surrounded by his family.

He was born the son of the late Oscar and Mary (Jansen) Hemmelgarn on September 14, 1954, in Celina, Ohio. On July 2, 1976, he married his wife of 47 years, Carol (Rice) Hemmelgarn, who survives in Celina.

Elge is also survived by his beloved children Russell Hemmelgarn of Columbus and his children Rosalie, James and Mia. Ian Hemmelgarn and his children Brandon (Kaitlin), Lillian and Taylor. Rachel Hemmelgarn and her children Trey Quillen and Zach Quillen. Maggie (Ryan) Starr and their children Charlotte Starr and Westin Starr. Breeana Hemmelgarn (Matt Schott) and their children Henry Schott and Lucas Schott, all of Celina.

He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law; Mike (Jan) Hemmelgarn, Pat (Marty) Hemmelgarn both of Celina, Sam Hemmelgarn of Kettering, Barbara Hemmelgarn of Ellicott City, Md., Vickie Hemmelgarn and Nancy Hemmelgarn both of Celina; his sister Peggy Corotis of Hilliard; Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Peggy Mowry, Ft. Wayne, Ind.; James (Patricia) Rice, Denton, Texas; and Barb (Robert) Mapel, Cincinnati, Ohio. He also has numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Jerry Hemmelgarn, Tom Hemmelgarn, Jack Hemmelgarn, his brother-in-law; Mark Corotis, brother-in- law Donald Mowry and sister-in-law Shelly Hemmelgarn.

He graduated from Celina High School with the Class of 1973. James was the owner/operator of the surrounding area Charles Chip franchise in the 1970s and is remembered fondly by his customers. He retired as an independent plumber. He enjoyed farming on his little farm. In his free time, he loved spending time with his family, especially playing and teasing his 12 grandchildren, riding motorcycles and shooting guns. He was a member of the Celina Moose Lodge #1473.

Elge will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of enjoying his unique sense of humor.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at the Celina Moose Lodge #1473 in Celina.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice, in honor of James "Elge" A. M. Hemmelgarn.

Condolences may be shared with the Hemmelgarn family online at LehmanDzendzelFH.com.