James B. "Jim" Antoine

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James "Jim" B. Antoine, a devoted father, proud Marine, and steadfast man of faith. He departed this world on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at the age of 94 at CHP Defiance area Inpatient Hospice Center. Despite his years, Jim was young at heart and full of life, so much so that those who knew him often remarked "He never looked his age". 
  
Born on August 28, 1930 to James and Bertha (Arend) Antoine, Jim lived a life rooted in honor, duty, and love for his family. His time in the Marine Corps shaped him into the resilient, principled man we all admired. Yet beyond his military service, he was a man who walked humbly with God and never wavered in his Catholic faith. He found strength in daily prayer and joy in the simple act of walking, something he did religiously-each step a quiet meditation, each journey a symbol of his enduring vitality.

A devoted father, Jim gave his children the greatest gift of all; his unwavering love, guidance, and the example of a life well-lived. He taught them the importance of integrity, perseverance, and faith, and he will live forever be remembered for his warm smile, his quick wit, and the way he could light up any room with his presence. Though he has left this world, his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Jim leaves behind his loving children, Thomas Antoine of Defiance, Mary Jane Antoine of Defiance, Paul (Kelly) Antoine of Edgerton, OH, Michelle (Mark) Detter of Defiance, and Richard Antoine of Little Rock, AR. He also leaves behind six grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, three step-great-grandchildren, his brother, Carl Antoine of Paulding, OH, and countless friends who became family along the way. 
  
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Bertha Antoine, his wife Mary Elizabeth Antoine, grandson, Shawn Paul Antoine, brothers Clair Grew and Joseph Antoine, and sisters Lucille Hammon, Mary Ellen Saylor, Ethel Mae Ankney, and Marilyn Minck.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home South, Lawson/Roessner Chapel (1753 S. Clinton Street) in Defiance. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Friday, January 17th at St. Mary Catholic Church, with Fr. David Cirata officiating. Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating a life that touched so many. Jim will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Defiance, with Military Graveside Honors conducted by VFW #3360.

The family requests donations be made in Jim's honor to St. Mary Food Pantry, Semper Fi, or to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.

Dear Jim, you may no longer walk among us, but you will forever walk beside us in spirit. May God grant you eternal rest and let perpetual light shine upon you.
  
  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James B. "Jim" Antoine, please visit our floral store.