James H. Arens, age 94 of Defiance, peacefully passed away on Tuesday morning, September 12, 2023 at Brookview Healthcare Center in Defiance, Ohio. He was born on November 22, 1928 to the late Clayton C. and Gertrude (Puehl) Arens in Defiance, OH. James was a 1947 graduate of Defiance High School. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1952 during the Korean War. On May 12, 1956 he married JoAnn C. Scheele in St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Florida, Ohio. JoAnn preceded him in death on November 25, 2022.

James was a faithful member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Florida, Ohio. He worked at Brown's Bakery for 13 years, Culligan's Soft Water Service for 2 years, and at Arp's Dairy for 28 years until his retirement. He enjoyed his years spent coaching Little League Baseball, and he loved playing dartball, fishing, bowling, and listening to the radio station FM 103.1. James is survived by his children, Michael (Karen) Arens of Defiance, David (Sharon) Arens of Sherwood, OH, and Deborah (Vestel Jr. "Cork" ) Schlegel of Paulding, OH, two grandchildren,  Nathan (Summer) Schlegel and Adam (Lori) Schlegel, all of Paulding, OH, and two great-grandchildren, Slade and Storie Schlegel. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, JoAnn C. Arens. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 15, 2023 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home South, Lawson/Roessner Chapel (1753 S. Clinton Street) in Defiance. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 11:30 am  at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Florida, Ohio, with Rev. Jacob Stuenkel officiating. One hour of additional visitation will be held before the service at the church. Burial will follow the service at Florida Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center, or St. Peter Lutheran Church. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.