James Lee Mears

SANDUSKY — James Lee Mears, 85, of Sandusky, passed away Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 25, 2017, in Firelands Regional Medical Center, Sandusky, following a brief illness.He was born to Robert and Margaret (Hurst) Mears on Sept. 4, 1933, in Sandusky. Jim was a member of the Sandusky High School graduating class of 1949. During his school days, his favorite activities were singing with the A Cappella Choir and Lush Quartet. He deeply loved his God, his family and his country. He joined the U.S. Coast Guard after graduation during the Korean War and served on the "Sweetgum" as a Boatswain's Mate. Jim rejoined the Coast Guard as a Reservist, with the rank of Ensign in 1961, retiring as Commander in 1991.In 1954, Jim headed for Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, where he pursued a teaching degree and Joan Baker, whom he married in 1956. Returning to Sandusky, he taught history at Sandusky High School, where he was the assistant swim coach under Walter Caldwell and the football trainer under Earl Bruce. After completing his Master of Education in counseling, Jim became the counselor at Jackson Junior High until his retirement in 1984.Jim was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, Sandusky, where he was active in many organizations, teaching church school, Sunday School, Bethel Bible studies and as a 49-year member of the Zion Senior Choir. Jim was very active in Boy Scouts of America, as a scout himself. He became Cub Master, Scout Master, Explorer Committee Member and held positions at district and council levels. He took scouts on many high adventure trips, was camp steward and member of the Over the Hill Gang at Camp Firelands. He was also a longtime member of the Sandusky Lions Club, probably best remembered as the "Tail Twister," a 50-year member of Perseverance Lodge No. 329, F.&A.M., 32 Degree Mason, Scottish Rite, Valley of Toledo, the Canadian Masonic Lodge of Pelee Island, American Legion Post 83, Sandusky, Canadian Legion of Pelee, Sandusky Sailing Club and the Sandusky Yacht Club. He was a loyal member and a good worker in everything he got involved in.Jim and his wife, Joan, have enjoyed their family, friends, traveling and their cottage of 50 years on Pelee Island.He is survived by his wife, the former Joan Baker; one daughter, Laura Mears of Sandusky; two sons, David (Angelia) Mears of Columbus and Stephen (Lisa) Mears of Canton; five grandchildren, Stuart (Melissa) Wells of Sandusky, Nate Wells of Seattle, Wash., Jim Mears of Elyria, Lauren Mears of Columbus and Anna Mears of Canton; five great-grandchildren, Trajan, Audrianna, Aurora, Alaric and Kaiden; one brother, John (Judy) Mears of Sandusky; one sister, Dorothy "Dot" Turgeon of Arizona; two brothers-in-law, Don Borden of South Carolina and Tom Baker of Ashtabula; one sister-in-law, Bert (Baker) Ackley of Ashtabula; nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Richard Mears in infancy; and one sister, Marilyn Borden.Friends may call from 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, in Zion Lutheran Church, 503 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, until time of Perseverance Lodge Memorial Service at 10:30 a.m. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Monty Kaufman officiating.Memorial contributions may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church or to the donor's favorite charity.Pfeil Funeral Home, Sandusky Chapel, 617 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, is assisting the family with arrangements.Condolences may be shared with the family at pfeilfuneralhome.com.