James "Jim" E. Volkert of Delaware, formerly of Hicksville, was born on February 20, 1941 to Opal (Applegate) and Guy Volkert in Hicksville, OH. He passed away on July 15, 2024 at Willow Brook Christian Home in Columbus, OH. He graduated from Hicksville High School in 1959, received an Agricultural Short Course degree from Michigan State, and attended classes at The Ohio State University.
From an early age, he developed his passion for agriculture, starting with potatoes and pigs, culminating with his ultimate lifelong passion of being around horses. He spent many years raising, racing, and selling feed to many successful horse owners throughout the Midwest. Among them were the Budweiser Clydesdales and the Mari Hulman George Horse Farms.
Another passion in his life was music from an early age. He was a John Philips Sousa winner in high school, was very active in church choir groups, the Northwesternaires Barbershop Chorus, and ultimately played the piano throughout his entire lifetime.
His community involvement included Rotary, Jaycees, and North Western Electric Cooperative Board of Directors.
Most important was his involvement with his family and friends. Making woodworking projects and gardening were another passion of his. He wanted everyone to be included in his projects. His passion for Ohio State sports and auto racing (NASCAR and the Indy 500) was very evident.
He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Donna (Leibold) Volkert. His son Jeff (Roseann), daughter Melissa, grandsons Cameron Volkert, Mike Battershell, and Adam (Carly) Battershell. He is also survived by his sister, Ella Jane Stuckey (Dennis) and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert Volkert, and sister-in-law Marlene Volkert.
Services for Jim will be on Friday, July 19, 2024, at Moreland Funeral Home, 55 E. Shrock Rd., Westerville, OH. Calling at 10:30 am, service at 11:00 am. There will be a celebration of life following the service at Dandelion Farm, 2562 Braumiller Rd., Delaware, OH 43015 from 1:00-4:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim's memory to the Humane Society of Delaware County or the Huber Opera House and Civic Center in Hicksville, OH.
Condolences
Larry and Ann Sprow - Jul 22, 2024
Our deepest sympathies to Donna and family.
Lynn and Suzie Haver - Jul 20, 2024
Our prayers and sympathy to you and your family Donna. Always loved Jim's cheery disposition. Thinking of you all.
Robert Weber - Jul 20, 2024
Donna and family, you have my heartfelt condolences.
Steph Karacson-Mazur - Jul 19, 2024
Sending prayers and sympathy for you all.
Kathy Wright - Jul 19, 2024
My sincerest condolences to you and your family.
Barbara Warren - Jul 19, 2024
My prayers are with you. Be at peace.
Kelly Wheatley - Jul 18, 2024
Melissa, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family during this hard time.
Ed and Julia Hissong - Jul 18, 2024
Our deepest sympathy to Donna and her family and to Ella Jane and her family.
Mary F Slattery - Jul 18, 2024
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Sharon Jo Ann Tucker - Jul 18, 2024
Melissa, my sincere sympathies for the loss of your father. May he rest in peace.
Joyce & Jack Kasper - Jul 18, 2024
Donna & Family, Our deep condolences & prayers are with you all. A finer neighbor for the last 20 + years we could not ask for. Jim was always there to help with anything even though his help was not even requested. We will sure miss him. Hugs, Joyce & Jack
Dennis & Marci Michael - Jul 17, 2024
Jeff and Melissa, so sorry for your loss. sending you and your mom our sympathy and prayers.
Beverly Sekella (Waters) - Jul 17, 2024
Jim had a wonderful smile, could be pretty ornery, and was always very caring. When gathering together at holidays, we always looked forward to see Jim and his family. I admired Jim’s integrity, and I appreciated his friendship. Sending sympathy and my love to Donna, Melissa and Jeff.
Mike and Carlene Ayers - Jul 17, 2024
Sounds like he was a lovely gentleman. We are so sorry for your loss.
Joyce Hissong Sanders - Jul 17, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. My sincere condolences to the family. Jim was always such a great guy and highly respected.
Kim Fraley - Jul 17, 2024
Jim was my friend. Rest in Peace Jim
Michael Leibold - Jul 17, 2024
Jim was such an idol to me! He was always positive and unbelievable in his talents. What a true inspiration from him!
