James Leroy Armbruster

James Leroy Armbruster age 84, of rural Napoleon, died unexpectedly on Friday evening, February 28, 2020 at ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital.

His Legacy… Jim was born December 28, 1935 to Howard J. and Laura E. (Rettig) Armbruster in Napoleon.  He graduated from Florida High School in 1953.  Jim attended the Defiance College.  On October 8, 1961 he married Kay Watkins at the Delta Methodist Church.  In 1954 he worked for Swift and Company, Defiance.  In 1954-1956 he worked for General Motors.  1957 -1958 and 1960-1966, he worked for the state of Ohio as an instrument man in the highway survey crew.  He enlisted with the US Army in 1958.  He was a farmer from 1960 until retiring in 1998.  Jim was a member of the Holgate Lions Club, Henry County Farm Bureau, Ohio Soybean Association, the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association and a member of St, John's United Church of Christ, where he was an Elder and Deacon.  Jim was a loving husband and father, who loved spending time with his grandkids.  He also enjoyed farming and mowing the lawn.  He was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ and was a Elder and Deacon.

His Family… He is survived by his loving wife Kay; daughter, Debra (Jeffry) Stevenson, Napoleon and a son, Douglas Armbruster, Napoleon; grandchildren: Adam Stevenson, Kathleen (Andrew) Borck and Abigail Stevenson; great grandchildren: Natalie, Jordyn and Adalynn Borck; a sister Janet Bichan, sister-in-law’s Janet Ulery and Sally Mettler and many nieces and nephews.  Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law’s, Robert Bichan, Jerry Watkins and Larry Watkins.

His Farewell Services… Friends will be received in the Zachrich Family Funeral Home, 114 William Street, Holgate on Wednesday from 2-8 pm with a Lions service at 7:00 pm.  Everyone will be welcomed into St. John’s United Church of Christ, Holgate on Thursday at 10:00 am.  The Celebration of Jim’s life will be at 11:00 am with Reverend David Orr officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim’s memory can be made to St. John’s UCC, Holgate Lion’s Club or a charity of your choice.