James Lee Meckstroth, 60, formerly of 102 W. South Street in New Knoxville, OH died 8:20 a.m. Tuesday, August 5, 2008 at the Heritage Manor Nursing Center in Minster, OH, where he had been a resident for five years. 

He was born November 12,1947 in Lima Ohio to Leroy and Edith (Duhme) Meckstroth. 

He is survived by:

¨ Sister, Karen (Larry) Niemeyer of New Knoxville, OH

¨ Niece, Kristine (Joseph) Urenovitch of Whitehouse, OH

¨ 3 great-nephews: Joseph, Grant and Jackson Urenovitch

¨ Great-niece, Grace Urenovitch 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Edith Meckstroth. 

He was a 1965 graduate of New Knoxville High School. 

He was retired from the Crown Equipment Corporation in New Bremen after 32 years of service, where he had worked in assembly. 

He was a member of the First United Church of Christ and the New Knoxville Historical Society in New Knoxville, OH and the Crown Equipment 25-year Club in New Bremen, OH.  

Mr. Meckstroth was an avid sports fan and supporter of the New Knoxville Ranger, the OSU Buckeyes and the Cincinnati Bengals.  He enjoyed collecting all types of sports memorabilia.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 9, 2008 at the First United Church of Christ in New Knoxville, OH with the Very Rev. Dr. David Williams, O.C.C. officiating.  Burial will follow at the Pilger Ruhe Cemetery in New Knoxville.

Visitation for family and friends will be held 4-8 p.m. Friday and after 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Heritage Room of the church.  Memorial contributions may be directed to the First UCC radio broadcast fund or the New Knoxville Historical Society.