James "Jim" Lee Lehman, 80, of Defiance, passed away on  May 6, 2013 at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

He was born on February 16, 1933 to Perry and Marjorie (Minsel) Lehman at Jewell, OH. Jim worked as a Machine Operator for Johns Manville for 40 years retiring in 1995. On December 21, 1956 he married Betty Floehr at the Independence Methodist Church.  Jim and Betty lived in Defiance, Ohio.

Jim served with the United States Army in the Korean war, where he received his combat infantry badge and was injured in combat.  He was a life member of Defiance VFW Post 3360, Disabled American Veterans, Jewell American Legion, AmVets and was awarded the Chapel of the Four Chaplains honor, and served on the honor guard.  He was also a life member of the Eagles, Defiance County Historical Society & Auglaize Village (served as president for 12 years).  Jim also served as a Scout Master for 46 years. He was the former assistant Scout Master for Troop 71, and current assistant Scout Master for Troop 75 where he received many awards to include the Silver Beaver, God and Service award, and was a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow.  Jim also brought joy to many people by playing the role of Santa Clause for over 60 years.

Jim is survived by his loving spouse of 56 years, Betty, sons; James J. (Pat) Lehman of Continental, OH, Jerry L. (April) Lehman of Thief River Falls, MN, Jeffrey E. (Melanie) Lehman of Montpelier, OH, brother, Darcy Lehman of Defiance, OH, sister, Margaret (Wilbur) Gick of Defiance, OH, Grandchildren:, Emily  Lehman, Kyle (Kim) Lehman, Lydia, Mahalia, & Henry Lehman, great-grandchildren, Tyler, Catharine, Wyatt, & Brady Lehman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Carol R. Thomas, brother-in-law John Thomas, sister-in-law Lois Lehman, and nephew, Kenneth Gick (in infancy).

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 09, 2013 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm & Friday, May 10, 2013 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home, Inc., Defiance, Ohio.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 10, 2013, 1:00 pm at the Schaffer Funeral Home, with Jeff Lehman officiating.

Burial will take place in the Riverside Cemetery with military Honors from Defiance VFW Post 3360.

Memorials are suggested to the Boy Scouts Troop #75 of Defiance, OH, or Trinity United Methodist Church Defiance, Ohio. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com .