James T. Greear, 89, of Defiance, passed away on Friday, January 10, 2020 at Promedica Defiance Hospital. He was born on November 28, 1930 to James and Mossie (Harmon) Greear in Dante, Virginia. On March 3, 1956 he married Iris (Stallard) Greear, who resides in Defiance.

James was an active member and Deacon of  Mt. Carmel Chapel Baptist Church in Defiance, and was also a Trustee and music leader. He worked at Campbell's Soup Company in Napoleon for several years until his retirement in 1993. He enjoyed Bluegrass music, trains, and was a huge fan of the Boston Red Sox. James was a very unique person, and will be sadly missed by his family and many good friends and colleagues. James is survived by his loving wife of  63 years, Iris Greear of Defiance, two sons, Leonard A. (Sandi) Greear of Burlington, KY, and James P. (Kimberly) Greear of Defiance, and his daughter, Melba D. (Mark) Hale of Amelia, OH. He also leaves behind six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, two brothers, Homer Greear of Sherwood, and Paul Greear of Coeburn, VA, and his sister, Thelma Greear of Coeburn, VA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Claude, Roy, and W.R. Greear, and a sister, Frankie Greear. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 pm on Monday, January 13, 2020 at Schaffer Funeral Home South, Lawson/Roessner Chapel (1753 S. Clinton Street). A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at Schaffer Funeral Home South in Defiance, with Rev. Chad Carney officiating. Burial will follow the service at Ayersville Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Mt. Carmel Chapel or to a charity of the donor's choice.