James P. Retherford, age 85, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 5, 1939, in Johnstown, Ohio, the son of Hershel and Ruth (Phillips) Retherford Sr. James was a 1958 graduate of Johnstown High School and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. from 1958 to 1962. He retired in 1997 after 27 years of employment with Worthington Industries in Columbus.
James was a member of the Grove Church of Christ and American Legion Post #115 of Delaware, Ohio. He was an avid fan of sports and played on his high school football, basketball, and baseball teams where he earned All Ohio status. James loved to golf and took great pride in the upkeep of his yard and flower gardens.
He is survived by his wife, Jean (Harris) Retherford, whom he married on October 2, 1965, his daughters, Leslie (Terry) Franz of Mount Vernon, Lauren Retherford of Mount Vernon, Leanne (Tim) Burton of Mount Vernon, six grandchildren, Nick Franz, Tony (Jamie) Franz, Alex Franz, Ethan Retherford, Samantha Rothgeb, TJ Burton, three great grandchildren, Tatum Franz, Claire Burton and Henry Burton, numerous nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters in law, Connie Retherford, Karl and Linda Harris, Joyce and Don Ruby, Jo Congrove, Karen and (Bill) Lanning.
Besides his parents he was preceded in death by an infant son James Derek Retherford, brothers, Hershel Jr., Mervin, Murrel, Ronnie and Neal, sisters, Marcele, Virginia, Patty, and Mary, son in law, Dave Rothgeb, brothers in law, Kelly Harris, and Wayne Congrove.
A funeral service with military honors provided by the Knox County Joint Veterans Council will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024, beginning at 1:30 p.m. at the Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home, 201 Newark Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 where friends may call from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Pastor David Dahlstein will be officiating.
Memorial contributions in James’s name may be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation or Folds of Honor.
To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home of Mount Vernon is honored to serve the family of James P. Retherford.
Funeral Home: Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com