James Christian Zimmerly

APPLE CREEK -- James Christian Zimmerly, age 83, of Apple Creek, died Wednesday, August 5, 2020, at Shady Lawn Health Care Community in Dalton, following a period of declining health.

James was born on December 23, 1936, in Sterling, to the late Noah and Elva (Blough) Zimmerly and graduated from Norwayne High School in 1956. He married Louise May Nofziger on April 13, 1963, in Archbold. Louise died on August 12, 2004.

He worked as a Service Tech for Mast Lepley Silo in Apple Creek and was a long-time member of Calvary Assembly of God in Orrville. James volunteered at MCC Connections in Kidron and he loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Surviving are his son, Nevin (Lora) Zimmerly of Apple Creek; daughter, Ella Zimmerly of Apple Creek; four grandchildren, Kaylee, MaKenzie, Isaac, and Jeremiah; three brothers, John (Wanda) Zimmerly of Rittman, Paul (Doris) Zimmerly of Sterling, and Tim Zimmerly of Sterling; two sisters, Ruth (Ken) Kurtz of Norfolk, VA and Martha Zimmerly of Sterling; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, Louise, he was preceded in death by a brother, Noah Zimmerly, Jr.

Friends may call on Saturday, August 8, 2020, at Calvary Assembly of God, 2061 Wadsworth Road, Orrville, from 10:00 am to 10:45 am.

Services will follow at 11:00 am on Saturday, at the church, with Pastor Chuck Davis officiating. Burial will take place at the Crown Hill Mennonite Cemetery in Rittman.

The family has chosen to have a public event. Although funeral events are exempt from current gathering limitations, the risk of virus transmission from one person to another is much higher at a public event. Visitors are asked to wear masks, practice social distancing, and adhere to the posted signs and spacing limitations. Seating may be limited.

Auble Funeral Home in Orrville is handling the arrangements. Online registry and expressions of condolence may be made at www.aublefuneralhome.com.