James M. Ensman

James Mathias Ensman, age 87, of Shelby passed away peacefully Saturday evening February 17, 2018 at The Good Shepherd Home in Ashland surrounded by his family and loved ones.
 
Born April 19, 1930 in Shelby to Frederick and Frances (Spangler) Ensman, he has been a Shelby resident all of his life. After graduating in 1949 from Shelby Senior High School, James served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict until his honorable discharge in 1953. He was owner/operator of Ensman Gulf Service Station and later worked as an auto parts manager. With the loss of his wife, Donna in 1974, James devoted all of his time and love to raising his four children (ages 11, 9, 7, and 1) by himself. James was a member of the Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, as well as a member of the American Legion Post #326 and the Shelby Moose Lodge #422. He enjoyed racing cars, cooking, and fishing. Later in life, he enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s many activities and watching bald eagles at Lake Erie.
 
He is survived by his children, Michael (Jessica) Ensman of Mansfield, David (Brenda) Ensman of Shelby, John (Teresa) Ensman of Shelby, and Anne (Robert) Lampe of Dayton; his grandchildren, Emily (Ben) Secrest, Morgan (Jesse) Rigg, Maggie Ensman, Bradyn Allen, Carsyn Gomez, Brittany Ensman, Zachary Ensman, Joshua (fiancé, Devin Sweeting) Ensman, Derek (fiancé, Becky Steele) Ensman, Rachel Ensman, Lauren Lampe, and Ryan Lampe; great grandchildren, Kirra, Natalie, Aleah, Havanna, and Marley; two sisters, Rosanna (Paul) Yosick of Fairborn and Margaret (Carl) Sifferlin of Shelby; brother, Norbert (Brenda) Ensman of Myrtle Beach, SC; sisters-in-law, Carol Ensman and Marcella Ensman. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna (Call) Ensman; loving friend, Bonnie Moomaw; three brothers and sister-in-law, Alfred (Marilyn) Ensman, John Ensman, and Jerome Ensman.
 
Friends may call at the Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory on Wednesday February 21, 2018 from 5-8 PM. A military funeral honors ceremony will be held at Barkdull Funeral Home prior to the procession to St. Mary’s. Funeral mass will be held at the Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Thursday at 10:30 AM conducted by Father Chris Mileski. Interment will follow in the Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Cemetery.
 
Memorial expressions may be made to The Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Ashland or to Southern Care Hospice.

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