James Lee "Jim" Settlemire, 90, formerly of Lima, passed away April 25, 2014, at Otterbein St. Marys.

He was born Oct. 1, 1923, in Perry Twp., to Chester and Dolly (Marshall) Settlemire. On Nov. 9, 1944, he married Patricia Clark in Sloan, Iowa, and she survives at Otterbein.

Also surviving are a daughter, Mary Claire (Tom) Rampe, Celina; two sons, James P. (Pat) Settlemire, Loveland, and Michael D. (Marijo) Settlemire, Huntsville, Ala.; nine grandchildren, Kelly Myers, Christopher Rampe, Patricia Rampe, Jennifer Badger, Jessica Hazelwood, Jim Settlemire, Matthew Settlemire, Michel Wynn and Melinda Settlemire; 10 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Donna M. Kerr, Menomenee Falls, Wisc.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Dolly Settlemire; an infant son, Joseph Settlemire; a sister, Margurite Kehres; and a brother, Donald L. Settlemire.

He was a graduate of Shawnee High School. He enlisted in the Army Air Force during World War II. He was a B-17 pilot and flew 22 missions over Germany. He served 35 years in the Air Force Reserve, retiring as Lt. Col. He was engaged in dairy farming and later owned Courtesy Motors in Lima.

He was a member of St. John's Catholic Church, where he volunteered many years with the men's breakfast, and he was a strong supporter of Lima Central Catholic High School while his children attended and many years after. He was a member of the VFW, Eagles and the Reserve Officers Association. He served as a volunteer fireman for Perry Twp. and also served on the Allen County Soil and Water Conservation board of supervisors. He dearly loved his family, supported his nine grandchildren through their many activities and attended each of their graduations from high school and college in eight states.

His retirement years were spent with his wife while they traveled around the country in their RV and stayed in Florida during winter months. Each year, they also planted a huge vegetable garden and delighted in sharing the fresh produce with neighbors and friends.

A Memorial Mass will be scheduled at St. John's Catholic Church in Lima at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim's memory may be directed to St. John's Catholic Church or the Perry Twp. Fire Department.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.millerfuneralhomes.net.

Arrangements are entrusted to Miller Funeral Homes, St.Marys.