James L. Glassford, 84, of Grand Rapids, Ohio, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2022 at his home following a brief illness. He was born March 5, 1938 in Bowling Green, Ohio to Ora and Fanny (Jeffers) Glassford. Jim married the love of his life, Margaretta (Fletcher) on July 11, 1960 and she survives, along with sons Skip (Karen) Glassford, Bowling Green, and Victor (Joanne) Glassford, Waterville, Ohio; grandchildren Jimmy (Jordan) Willow Spring, NC, Alex (Kailey) Glassford, Grand Rapids, Paul Glassford, Freehold, NJ, Annie Glassford, Ada, Ohio, Maxwell (Darla) Glassford, Columbus, Ohio, Maddie (Nic) Keil, Defiance, Ohio, and Mitchell Glassford, Defiance, Ohio. Also surviving are great grand children Tate, Luke, Maggie, Parker, August, Jamie, and Georgia Glassford; and his sisters Joanne Potter and Helen (Dick) Dyke both of Grand Rapids, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jack.
Jim graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 1956 and became a successful entrepreneur, businessman, and was involved with real estate sales. He opened his own real estate firm, Anthony Wayne Realtors, in 1988. Jim enjoyed many activities, like hunting, fishing, playing cards, refinishing furniture, boating, collecting and selling antiques. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Jim had a big garden and enjoyed canning pickles, beets, and tomatoes, and making jam.
Jim also attended BG Church of the Nazarene and was a wonderful dad, husband, and friend. His wisdom and gentleness will be greatly missed.
Friends will be received from 2-4 pm on Sunday, December 18 at Hanneman Funeral Home, 24084 W. Second Street, Grand Rapids, Ohio, with a celebration of life service beginning at 4 pm. Pastor Joel Nichols will be officiating. Jim chose to donate his body to science, so private burial services will take place at a later date.
The family thanks Bridge Hospice and the angel ladies of Dayspring for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in Jim’s memory to Otsego Athletic Boosters.
The family requests that online condolences, as well as fond memories, be shared by visiting www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com.
