James Richard Engel, age 81 of Defiance, passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

He was born in Defiance, Ohio on December 27, 1944 to the late Walter and Hope (Mollett) Engel.

James is survived by his children, Tina Lucas, Debbie Kaiser, James Engel, and Dan Engel, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, his brother, Darryl Engel, and sister, Donna Ripke.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Denny Engel.

There will be no services. Schaffer Funeral Home was honored to assist the family with arrangements.