James E. Root

James E.  Root, age 87 of Piqua, was born in Red River (Bradford) on January 25, 1937 to the (late) Jesse & Iva (Kreider) Root.  He was the second youngest of eight children and is preceded in death by Ora, Ouida, Jesse, Arthur, Dean, Clara, and Bonnie.  He was married to wife, Ruth (Berryhill) Root for 50 years until her passing in 2007 and they had one child, Debra (David) Wortman who survives.  Also surviving are granddaughter, Alexa “Chelle” (Brian) Mendleson and great-granddaughter, Bridgette McDaniel and many close nieces and nephews.  He was married in 2009, to Dorothy Evers of Bradenton, Florida until her passing in 2019.  His stepson, Cecil “Buddy” (Beth) Evers and two grandchildren, Lee (Ashley) and Ben (Paige) survive.  Jim was a graduate of Covington High School, Class of 1955.  He served in the Ohio National Guard for six years achieving rank of Staff Sergeant.  He operated painting and home maintenance businesses in Ohio for 50+ years and Florida traveling between the two states for over 40 years.  He partnered with a friend and drilled for oil in Canada for a few years, after retirement.  He was a Covington Youth Center Director and a member of the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Association.  He served the Lord in many capacities including, making annual trips to Honduras with missionary friends for ten years, where he taught God’s word while helping to build a clinic and make needed repairs.  He was a devoted member of the Happy Gospel Church in Bradenton, Florida.  He loved his family, friends, church, the Florida weather, and his many years of missionary work in Honduras, but most of all he loved Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior.  He will be greatly missed!   Funeral Service will start promptly at 10:00 AM Wednesday at Bridges-Stocker-Fraley Funeral Home, Covington with Reverend Martin Peacock officiating.  There will be no visitation time.  Interment Miami Memorial Park Cemetery, Covington.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ohio Hospice of Miami County or Happy Gospel Church, 1915 53rd Avenue E, Bradenton, FL 34203.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.stockerfraley.com.

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