James M. Lentz Jr., age 81, of Celina, passed away Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital in St. Marys.
   Jim was born July 5, 1943, in Newark, to the late James M. Sr. & Mary Louise (Parkinson) Lentz.
   Surviving are his children: Joyce (Marc) Zizelman, David Lentz, and Amy (Justin) Lawler, and his companion and caregiver, Patricia Frosdick, all of Celina; 6 grandchildren: Randi (Jason) Scott of Celina, Marki (Andy) Haack of Perrysburg, Georgi (Leyton Schoen) Zizelman, Kyle Zizelman, and Megan Lentz, all of Celina, and Zachary Lentz of Coldwater; 9 great grandchildren; sisters: Juanita McClain of Florida and Janice VanBuren of Kirkersville, Ohio; and a niece, Pam (Gary) Pender of Florida.
  Preceding him in death was his wife, Sydney Lentz; a son, James M. Lentz III; step-son, Tommy Clark; and siblings: Ralph Dispennette, Lester Dispennette, Delores Taylor, Norma Diller, and Jane Dispennette.
   Jim was a graduate of Licking Valley High School in Newark. He was a member of the Newark Kiwanis Club. A car enthusiast, Jim particularly enjoyed vintage Corvettes and Thunderbirds.
  Over the years, Jim worked in maintenance and as a supervisor and manager for Cardinal Vending Services, and later for AVI Vending, both in Newark. He retired at the age of 70, and moved back to Celina to be closer to his children. After returning to Celina, Jim enjoyed driving vehicles from auctions for local car dealerships, and attending his grandsons' football games.

Jim was a very positive individual, always had a smile, and was very happy. Even faced with health challenges, when asked how he was doing, Jim would always reply "I'm fine".
  Calling Hours will be held at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Celina, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Friday, July 19, with Services to begin at 3:00. Pastor Josh Tissot will officiate.
  Memorial Contributions may be made to Grand Lake Hospice.
Condolences can be expressed to Jim's family at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com.