James Herstine

James “Jim” Lee Herstine,

93, of Magnolia, Ohio, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 7, 1933, in East Sparta, Ohio, to Joseph Luther and Virginia (Meyer) Herstine, Jim was one of nine children raised in Waynesburg, Ohio and was a 1951 graduate of Waynesburg High School. Jim was a 74-year member of the East Sparta Christian Church where he had served as a Deacon and a member of various committees.

Jim spent nearly 40 years working as an ironworker in Cleveland Local 17 building a life rooted in hard work, faith, and a deep devotion to his family. He was proud of the work he did and was a part of construction teams that built some of the most recognizable buildings in the Cleveland skyline including Society (KeyBank) Tower, Progressive Field, and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His work ethic and passion for his trade were an inspiration for many family members who followed him into the trade including; a brother, a son, two grandsons and several nephews.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 74 years, Rosemary (Gill), with whom he has five children and twenty-seven grandchildren. Jim & Rosemary are role models for their true love, commitment, and devotion to each other. Jim cherished all moments with Rose including occasions that would bring the entire family together and he especially loved spending time with everyone on the family farm. Rosemary was by his side providing love and comfort until the very end.

He is also survived by his five children, Bonita (Ted) Welker, Pamela Wilkinson, Patricia Crilley, James (Melanie) Herstine and Daniel (Angela) Herstine; ten grandchildren, Douglas (Kellie) Crilley, Ryan (Maria) Crilley, Lance (April) Welker, Lori Welker, Jack (Alison) Crilley, Elizabeth Herstine, Megan (Cody) Bouklias, Jeric Herstine, Addison Herstine, and Michael (Adriana) Morgan; fifteen great grandchildren, Taylor Welker, Abbigale Crilley, Grace Newell, Kayla Crilley, Tristen Crilley, Will Hibbs, Isabel Crilley, Henry Welker, Dylan Hargrove, Parker Hargrove, Presley Hargrove, Jack Crilley, Lucas Bouklias, Bodhi Crilley, and Charlotte Morgan; two Great-Great Grandchildren Ella Hibbs and Samuel Newell; two siblings, Mayrene (Boze) Offenberger and Lynn (Paige) Herstine and countless nieces, nephews, and significant others; all family will miss his jokes, big smile, caring heart, and loving spirit. In his words, “I love you more!”

He was preceded in death by his parents, six siblings, and a son-in-law. The family would like to thank all those involved in Jim’s care over the last few years, including the staff at The Inn at University Village and Crossroad’s Hospice.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Finefrock-Gordon Funeral Home (266 N. Main Street, Magnolia, Ohio 44643). Additional calling hours will occur on Monday, October 12, 2026, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. A funeral service will be held Monday, October 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Finefrock-Gordon Funeral Home (266 N. Main Street, Magnolia, Ohio 44643). Burial will follow at Bowman Cemetery in Pike Township, Ohio at the corner of Elson Street and Newmont Street. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donations be made in Jim’s memory to the East Sparta Christian Church, the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be left at: www.gordonfuneralhomes.com.

Gordon (330)866-9425