LIMA — James S. Biddle, age 87, passed away on Friday, February 24, 2023, at his home in Lima, Ohio.

Jim was born July 31, 1935, in Wauseon, Ohio to the late Ralph Biddle and Mabel (Mohler) Biddle. On June 7, 1959, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Judith (Judie) Wangrin and she survives in Lima. They were blessed with two special daughters, Jennifer and Julee, who preceded him in death.

He was raised on the family farm in Liberty Center, Ohio and graduated from Liberty Center High School. He worked construction after high school until he joined the U.S. Army where he served two years and was stationed in Germany. He returned to Ohio to begin his college education and received a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master of Arts Degree – Secondary Education and Teaching from Bowling Green State University. He earned a PhD in Mathematics from The Ohio State University in 1970. Jim was born to be an educator and administrator. His career encompassed several teaching positions including Professor of Mathematics at Urbana University. He started working at The Ohio State University as the Regional Campus Mathematics Coordinator before becoming the Dean and Director of the OSU Lima campus. He was also the founding President of Lima Technical College which later became Rhodes State College. He oversaw the shared Lima campuses and the OSU Lima academic program. He taught throughout his tenure at the university. A road on campus was named Biddle Drive in his honor. He retired from OSU to serve as Director of the Ohio Student Loan Commission. He touched many lives and was a mentor to many people throughout his time on this earth.

In the Lima community, he was the founding president of Sunrise Sertoma Club and was elected to the Bath Local Schools Board of Education in 1971.

Jim was a master of a dry sense of humor and enjoyed challenging differing opinions on everything from history to politics. He also had a wide variety of hobbies and interests. He had been a licensed pilot and his passion for woodworking and carving lead him to create many beautiful pieces from unique woods, including writing pens. He liked to indulge in gardening and landscaping and was a collector of many things. He also loved to read and never met an animal he did not love. Jim had a strong relationship with God and held weekly Bible studies at his home with friends. He also posted daily Bible scriptures on his Facebook page to inspire others. The world is a better place for having had Dr. James Biddle here among us.

He is survived by those who will cherish his memory including many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his sister, Donna Luebker and brothers, Gordon, Kenneth, Bill.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.