James (Big Jim) Paul Wachtman was born on August 23, 1929 in Napoleon, Ohio, to Emma Bockelman & Martin Wachtman. Big Jim graduated from Perrysburg High School in Ohio. After graduating he joined the Army Reserves where he was stationed in Louisiana at Fort Campbell. In 1950, Jim married Joann Moore. She passed away in 2009.

Big Jim was also preceded in death by his father Martin, his mother, Emma, and his great-grandson Trent David Smith.

Jim and Joann are survived by their two children; Zettia (Allan) Coleman of Defiance, Steven Wachtman of Defiance, and a step-son Joe (Shirley) Oaks of Toledo. He also survived by his 6 grand-children, 18 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-great grandchildren, all in whose lives he was heavily involved. He lived with his best buddy "Cody the Dog", his constant companion.

SK Hand Tool was a large part of Jim's life. He worked there as a heat treat operator for 47 years prior to retiring. He has always been a wonderful worker and provider for all of his family. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran, then St. Stevens Lutheran, and lastly St. Johns Lutheran Church.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 25, 2012 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home, Inc., Defiance, Ohio .

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 26, 2012, 11:00 am at the St John Lutheran Church, Defiance, Ohio, with Rev. Donald L Luhring, officiating.

Burial will take place at the Riverside Cemetery.