James J Schlegel, 93, of Defiance, passed away on Monday, December 17, 2012 at Mercy Hospital.

He was born on January 6, 1919 to John and Agnes (Klein) Schlegel in Defiance, OH. He married Ava Slater in 1949 and she preceded him in 1998. James is survived by two sons, James M (Donna) Schlegel of Defiance, Kerry (Melanie) Schlegel of Van Wert, three daughters, Vicki (Joe) Bailey of Williamsburg, VA, Nancy (Bob) Nadeau of Defiance, Lori Schlegel of the State of Hawaii, a niece, Betty Schlegel of Defiance, 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Ava Schlegel, a granddaughter and a brother, Robert Schlegel.

James was a member of St. John's Catholic Church. He was a WWII Army Air Corp veteran serving with the 65th Troop carrier squadron in SW Pacific as Communication's Chief. He was a life member of VFW Post 3360, Eagles BPOE 372 and worked for Metro Office Supply in Defiance as a repairman.

Visitation will be held Thursday, December 20, 2012 from 9:30 am - 11:30 am

at Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, Ohio .

A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, December 20, 2012, at 12:00 pm at St John's Catholic Church, Defiance, with Father Todd Dominique officiating.

Burial will take place in Riverside Cemetery where military graveside rites will be accorded by VFW Post 3360.

Memorials are suggested to St. John's Catholic Church.