James Melvin Gee

James Melvin "Jim" Gee, age 70, of Dover passed away Saturday, January 26, 2013, in his home. Jim was the eldest son of Martha L. Glidden Gee of Dover, and the late Harold E. Gee.

Jim was raised in both New Philadelphia and Sugarcreek. In his youth, summers were often spent in Texas staying with his Uncle Kenny and Aunt Ethyl and working at a local grocery store. Later, while attending Garaway High School, he worked at Mason's Grocery, and it was there that he met his future wife, Martha Ann Finley. Jim graduated from Garaway in 1960, and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army. Upon completion of basic training, he advanced to a Military Police Officer position for the duration of his Army career. Most of his service time was in Germany, and while there he had the opportunity to travel throughout Europe. In 1963, he stood as part of the honor guard for President John F. Kennedy when he was visiting Germany.

Following his honorable discharge, he returned to New Philadelphia, and, after years of correspondence, married Martha Finley in 1965. Jim began working for Uniroyal, Inc. a short time later. He had a distinguished career with the company, and to this day remains the youngest District Manager in the history of Uniroyal. His sales career focused mainly in the automotive industry, working for Rayco and Sterling Engine. Later, Jim formed a strong relationship with the Timken Co. as a contractor in the industrial and hazardous cleaning side of the business. His career goal was to retire when he was 50, and he achieved it. In his retirement, he loved working on his lawn and garden. He was employed by Hillcrest Garden Center for a time and later started his own landscaping business, working solely for the Timken Co.

In 1969, Jim and Martha had their first child, Danielle Lynn, and in 1972, their son James Christopher was born. Jim very much enjoyed coaching his young son in pee-wee football and little league baseball. He and Christopher loved baseball, often attended major league games, and played catch every day during spring and summer.

Jim had numerous interests, but in particular he loved cars, coins and history. He and Lanny Rosenberry worked many nights and weekends on Jim's '57 Chevy, and also customized the back of the cherry red 1972 corvette Jim purchased for Martha. He collected a variety of coins and would often give children proof sets as gifts. He was an avid reader, enjoyed history and traveling to historical sites, as well as just sitting and reading through the encyclopedia. Jim looked forward to his monthly Jass game with Harry Paul Arnold, Dr. K Zehnder, and Danny Herschberger. Most recently, however, his interest and joy focused on his grandson, Reid James Lieser with whom he visited and played every day.

In addition to his mother, Martha, Jim is survived by his daughter, Danielle (Bill) Lieser of Dover; his grandson, Reid James Lieser; his brother, Nathan Lynn (Linda) Gee of New Philadelphia; nephews, Bill (Shelly) Knisely of Dover, and Michael (Staci) Knisely and Nathan Lynn Gee II, both of New Philadelphia; and niece, Michelle (John) Sturiale of California. He will also be remembered most fondly by the Spinelli family of Dover who he loved so much, and his two honorary granddaughters, Kristen and Kayla Carver also of Dover.

Besides his father, Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife of twenty years, Martha; his also much-beloved son, Christopher; and his beloved grandson Jory Mitchell Loibl. Calling hours will be Wednesday, Jan. 30, 6 8 p.m., in the Toland Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, Dover. A funeral service will be held Thursday, Jan. 31, at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with Dr. Steven R. Bailey officiating of the First United Methodist Church in New Philadelphia officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Dover, where military rites will be conducted by the Dover post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Following the committal, there will be a luncheon in the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center on the Boulevard in Dover. To sign an online guestbook and share a fond memory of Jim, please visit the Obituaries and Flowers link on the funeral home's website.

The family suggests contributions in Jim's memory be made to the Tuscarawas Co. Humane Society, 6895 Dover Zoar Rd. N.E., Dover, OH 44622.