James H. Keber of Jewell, Ohio passed away on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at The Laurels of Defiance.  He was born on November 29, 1929 in Spaulding, Nebraska.  He was one of three sons of Jacob and Irene Keber, who moved the family to Ohio in 1938, when he was 7 years old.  The family settled on a farm near Jewell, Ohio.
Jim married his high school sweetheart, Louise F. Martin, of Defiance, Ohio on December 29, 1949.  They then, settled on the same farm and Jim began his farming career.  Together they raised six children who loved and respected them dearly.  Jim and his wife were married and devoted to each other for 63 years.
During his lifetime, he enjoyed talking to people from every walk of life.  For years, he was a regular patron of morning coffee and farm-talk at the Jewell Grain Co.  He was a successful farmer and held various professional positions.  He served as President of the Defiance County Farm Bureau for several years; he held a seat on the Jewell Grain Board of Directors for  15 years; and he served three terms on the Board of Defiance County Soil & Water.  He was a dedicated volunteer for the Jewell Fire Department for 29 years, serving also as Assistant Fire Chief.  He attended Ohio Boy’s State in the 1940’s.  He was an active member of St. John’s Catholic Church of Defiance.  Religion was very important to him and he loved singing hymns along with the congregation.  Other interests included bowling and playing cards.  He participated on a local bowling league, and he and his wife were members of a card club, for years.
His wife, Louise, preceded him in death in 2012, and also his brother Donald Keber in 1987.  He is survived by his six children:  Cathy (Destry) Jones of Holly Springs, NC, Michael (Lorraine) Keber of Defiance, Thomas (Bev) Keber of Defiance, Jane (Ed) Trocha of McComb, OH, Gerry (Renee) Keber of Defiance, and Nancy (Terry) Joy of Dacula, GA.   Eleven (11) grandchildren include: Erin Keber, Matthew Keber, Andrew Keber, Kelli K. Heisler, Jenny (Jeff) Russell, Stephanie Frey, Kierstin Trocha, Ethan Keber, Lexi Keber, Cheznie Keber and Trevor Joy; plus nine (9) great grandchildren and one expected. His brother, Edward Keber of Van Wert, Ohio, also survives.
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 27, 2017 from 2 pm to 8 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 28th at St. John Catholic Church, with Fr. Eric Mueller officiating. Burial will follow the service at Riverview Memorial Gardens. 
 Memorials in Jim’s honor may be made to CHP Hospice of Defiance, The Laurels of Defiance, or a charity of your choice. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.