Funeral services celebrating the life of James Meisenhelder, 85, of Newark, will be held at REED-EGAN FUNERAL HOME, 141 Green Wave Drive, Newark, 1 P.M., Thursday, May 18, 2023, with Rev. Robert Davidson as celebrant. Friends and family may call at the funeral home from 11-1 P.M., Thursday, prior to the funeral service. Interment, following services, will be in Newark Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by the Licking County Veterans Alliance.

Jim, a United States Navy Veteran, passed away at Riverside Hospital on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. He was born in Newark, Ohio on April 8, 1938, to the late Franklin G. "Red" and Velma R. (Chism) Meisenhelder.

Jim, retired from Holophane, was a member of the Second Baptist Church, Newark, and the oldest living member of Newark Eagles, joining in 1961. He was a talented pool player, rarely losing to any opponent. He enjoyed entertaining others and bringing a smile to the faces around him, often while doing Karaoke and playing the musical spoons. In addition, Jim had a great affinity for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping.

He will be greatly missed by his son, Danny (Crystal) Meisenhelder; daughter, Janie Newsom; grandchildren, Brooke (Joey), Robbie, Hayley (Brandon) and Shelby; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Rita Stradley and Kathy Garrett; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Virgie (Garrett) Meisenhelder; siblings, Bob (Francis) Meisenhelder, Dave Meisenhelder, Jeannine (Ernie) Lamp, Marjorie (Jim) Macari, Clara Keller; and brothers-in-law Bill Garrett and Everett Stradley.

To share your memory of Jim or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.reedegan.com .