James O Scharer, 94, of Oregon, Ohio, passed away peacefully, Saturday, March 30, 2024, surrounded by his loving family on what would have been his and Carolyn's 73rd wedding anniversary. Jim was born in Toledo, Ohio, June 27, 1929 to Jacob and Marie (Becker) Scharer. He married Carolyn Hanely, March 30, 1951. Jim was employed with New York Central and Conrail as an engineer, retiring in 1993 after 42 years of service. He was a longtime member of Salem EUB Church and Mainstreet Church for over 70 years. Jim and his family have been Michigan Wolverine Football season ticket holders for over 60 years.

Big Jim, as he was known to many, had a long and productive athletic career. He went to Libbey High School and lettered in football and basketball. While in high school he worked for the Toledo Ice Delivery, the Tick Tock restaurant, and the Toledo Parking Garage. He then went on to play fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball into his 50's winning many championships. Jim played federation basketball in Toledo and led the league in scoring for one year. He also played semi-pro football for the Toledo Maroons, Toledo Stars, and Toledo Tornadoes.

After his athletic career, he touched many lives during his 15 years of coaching baseball, football, and basketball at the Oregon Rec. He also coached football at Fassett Junior High.

Jim was a man of Faith. He was an avid reader of his Bible and was known to many as their personal "Prayer Warrior". He led the Key 73 Lay Witness missions while at Salem UM church.

Jim absolutely adored his high school sweetheart and loving wife Carolyn. He was also the ultimate family man. He loved passionately and thoroughly enjoyed watching his sons and grandchildren compete in their many sports. He played golf until he was 80.

Jim left an incredible legacy and has provided many lasting memories for his family and those he coached and touched throughout his life.

Jim is survived by his sons, Jimmy (Jeannie) Scharer and David (Karen) Scharer; grandchildren, Andrea (Kyle) Chapman, Bri (Michael) Waddell, Erick (Shana) Scharer, Meghan, Jennifer, Angie (Dan) Blair, Tommy (Becca) Nehring; great-grandchildren, Grant, Garrett, Raelyn, Faye, Brendon, Braylon, Kensington, Cameron, Julian, Kayley, and Fiona; nephews, Ron (Laura) Scharer, John (Pat) Scharer, Clem Wernert; nieces Marlene (Cecil) Evans, Lana Lee (Dick) Scott; along with many loving family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carolyn; siblings, Jacob Ronald (Marguerite) Scharer and Mary Jane (Clem) Wernert Sr.; and nephews, Michael Wernert and Jake Wernert.

The family will receive friends at the Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home, Oregon Chapel, 440 S. Coy Road Friday, April 5, 2024 from 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Additional visitation Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 10:00 am until funeral service at 11:00 am at Mainstreet Church, 5465 Moline Martin Road, Walbridge. Interment: Troy Township Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to Mainstreet Church.