James Marshall “Jim” DeWalt, age 84, a longtime Leesville, Ohio resident, died Friday morning, December 26, 2025, in the Hennis Care Center at Bolivar surrounded by his family.
He was born July 25, 1941, in Georgetown, Ohio and was the son of the late Victor Charles and Edith Nellie (Carrothers) DeWalt. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by all of his siblings, which included five brothers, Charles, Robert, Victor C. Jr., Ross, and John DeWalt, and two sisters, Ada Wolfe and Catherine Alexander.
He retired in 2003 as a road maintenance worker for the Orange Township, Carroll County Trustees after 16 years of dedicated service. He also formerly drove truck for Valley Farm Supply in Sugarcreek and Tuscoat Asphalt at New Philadelphia. Jim spent seven years working in the coal mines in the Cadiz area and many years working on area farms. He liked making valuable use of his spare time cutting firewood and working on small engines and lawn mowers. In general, he just liked to “tinker” with virtually anything that needed adjustment. Jim was always pleased to welcome friends and family for gatherings at his home. He looked forward to spending the day on the boat at Tappan Lake with his family. He enjoyed his travels to visit family in Columbia, South Carolina where there was always a “to do” list waiting for him.
He is survived by his wife, Sally Jean (Hale) DeWalt, whom he married November 22, 1986, his three daughters, Mrs. Cynthia (Kenneth) Hoffman of Columbia, South Carolina, Rhonda Lynn DeWalt of West Columbia, South Carolina, and Mrs. Sally Jo (Skip) Bernhart of Leesville, his four grandchildren, Amanda Hoffman, Kendra Hoffman, Kaitlin Bernhart and Spencer Bernhart, and great-granddaughter Luna.
The family wants to acknowledge a very special Thank You to the Hennis of Bolivar Care Center staff for the exceptional care they provided to Jim. The family also extends appreciation to the Crossroads Hospice care team for the high-quality care and support they provided.
At his request, no formal funeral services will be observed. Interment of his ashes will take place at a later date in the Leesville Cemetery. The Baxter-Gardner Funeral Home at Sherrodsville has been entrusted with his cremation arrangements. To leave an online condolence message please visit the funeral home website.
Baxter-Gardner
(740) 269-9225
www.baxtergardner.com
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