James Eugene “Jim” Strausbaugh, 82, of Findlay, Ohio, went to be one with God on May 12, 2019.
He was born on the family farm in Bloom Center, rural Cygnet, Ohio, on February 18, 1937 to Stanley Merle
and Ruby Matilda (Dennis) Strausbaugh. An only child, he was the apple of his parents’ eyes and worked
hard beside them on the family farm, raising steers, milking Holsteins, and growing wheat, corn, and
soybeans.
He graduated from Bloomdale High School in 1955, where he played baseball and basketball. He also played
saxophone in the band, affectionately earning the nickname of “Spike.” Furthering his education, he
graduated from the Carnegie Institute in Cleveland in 1957, where he studied medical technology. He also
proudly served his country for 6 years in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves as an artilleryman at Fort
Leonard Wood, Missouri and Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
He worked at various companies over the years, including Mennel Milling and Norbalt Rubber, but spent
most of his career at RCA/Harris as a senior technician, from where he retired in 1991. In 1959, he
attended the Cygnet Homecoming Festival with some buddies and a pretty little lady from North Baltimore
caught his eye. Her name was Madeline “Madge” Shilling and after 4 years of dating, she became his wife
on August 18, 1963.
Together they raised their daughter Teresa Elaine, helped his parents work the farm, and filled a home
with love and laughter. Madeline passed from cancer in 1986, but Jim was blessed to find a second lovely
lady to grace his life when he met Norma Stark at RCA/Harris. They married on November 21, 1987 and
spent over 31 happy years together traveling, volunteering, and enjoying life.
Jim and Norma particularly enjoyed their volunteer work with Meals on Wheels, which they served for many
years. Jim attended St. Michael Parish in Findlay with his wife Norma, although he remained Protestant
in faith. Together with first Madeline and later Norma, Jim lovingly cared for his parents as they aged,
with Stanley passing in 1992 and Ruby in 2000.
Left to keep Jim in their hearts forever are his wife Norma of Findlay, Ohio, his daughter and son-in-law
Teresa and Franklin Purtiman of Lexington, Ohio, his sister-in-law Bonnie Smith of Fostoria, Ohio, 9
nieces and nephews, and numerous extended family and friends.
Jim was an intelligent, sensitive, and private man with a great big heart. Although quiet by nature, his
well-thought-out opinions and discussions were a treat when shared, and his belly laughs and twinkling
blue eyes when he was amused could light up a room. He loved his family, friends, pets, a good game of
baseball, and Ohio State football. He would have been lost without Norma by his side. He was very proud
of his daughter Teresa, especially that she chose Ohio State as her alma mater.
At Jim’s request, services will be private.
Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Crates Funeral Home, North Baltimore.
Memorial contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.smithcrates.com.
