James Ralph Ledford

James "Jim" Ralph Ledford passed away peacefully at St. Vincent Hospital on October 8, 2025. He was born on February 11, 1961, in Toledo, Ohio, to Ralph Ledford and Kathryn Guilbault.

Jim grew up in Millbury and graduated from Lake High School, where he played hockey and proudly served as his team's goalie. On April 3, 1981, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Tamela Bennett. Together they built a beautiful life, raising three children and later welcoming ten grandchildren during their 44 years of marriage.

Throughout his career, Jim worked as a manager for Foodtown grocery stores, a buyer and manager for Woodville Surplus, and a manager at Gander Mountain.

Jim had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing—always knowing the best spots where the fish were biting. In retirement, he spent as many days as he could out on the golf course. A devoted sports fan, Jim cheered passionately for the Michigan Wolverines, the Detroit Tigers, and the Detroit Red Wings.

Above all, Jim's greatest joy was his family. He was happiest when everyone was together in the same room. Known as "Papa" to his grandchildren and "Uncle Fun" to his nieces and nephews, Jim had a gift for making everyone feel loved and welcomed.

Jim was a member of Northwood Church of God and faithfully attended the "Good, Bad, and Ugly" Bible study. He was also a proud friend of Bill W., having celebrated 10 years of sobriety.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Dallas and Alice Barnes and Rose Ledford; his niece, Rose Claire Ledford; his step sister, Carmen Jones; his mother-in-law, Betty Meadows; his father-in-law, Forrest Eugene Bennett; his brothers-in-law, Forrest Bennett II and Ross Bennett; and his stepfather-in-law, Charles Meadows.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Tamela; his children Sarah (Nate) Kissel, Josh (Jessica) Ledford, and Andy (Sara) Ledford; and his cherished grandchildren Caleb Kissel, Cason Ledford, Abigail Kissel, Jackson Ledford, Cohen Ledford, Brody Brenner, Luke Kissel, Matthew Kissel, Jace Ledford, and Jacob Ledford. He is also survived by his parents Ralph (Margaret) Ledford and Kathryn Guilbault; his siblings Linda Ledford, Jennifer Wagner (Daniel Hubbs), David (Kathy) Ledford, and Scott (Tammy) Ledford; his step siblings Dayle Gatter and Charles Gatter; sisters-in-laws, Cindy (Chris Ricci) and Ruth Bennett; brother-in-law, Jimmy (Tish) Bennett; as well as many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends who meant the world to him.

Jim will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and unwavering love for his family and friends. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

The family will greet friends on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home, Millbury Chapel, 1111, Woodville Rd. from 2:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.- The family will also greet friends on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at Northwood Church of God, 1838 S. Coy Rd., Northwood, Ohio, 43619 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Lake Township Cemetery.