James L. Maben

James Jim L. Maben of Westerville, Ohio passed peacefully, surrounded by his family on September 29, 2024 at the age of 91. Jim was born in Bradford, Pennsylvania and was a proud Air Force veteran of the Korean War, serving 20 years and living on 6 different bases before settling in Westerville with his family.

He loved bowling (once scoring a 300 game and once appearing on the TV show Bowling for Dollars), using his creative talents in his hobby of upholstering, and traveling for antique shows (where he was known as Jim the Gofer). Jim worked at L.H. Marshall until the age of 70, fully retiring at 78. In his retirement he continued bowling with friends, trying his luck at the casinos and spending time with his loving family. Ever the life of the party with his witty humor, Jim will be sorely missed at family dinners and holiday parties. But watch out for his cane! He knew some pretty sweet tricks and loved keeping everyone on their toes with a surprise move or two.

Jim is survived by his wife of 65 years, Nancy Maben (née Chambers); his daughter, Pam (Russ) Jones; son, James Jamie Jr. (Mary) Maben; Grandchildren, Asia (Maxx) Kimbler, Cole (Crista) Tonti, Bailey, Midori and Sela Maben; great-grandchildren Callum and Caison Tonti and Hornet and Rainn Kimbler; sister-in-law Patty King; brother-in-law Paul (Elyse) Chambers; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, David Dewy M. and Katherine (née Johnson) Maben; his brothers, David, Donald, John, Ernest, Robert, Edwin, and Leon Maben; 3 sisters, Nancy Maben, Helen Johnson and Evelyn Roberts; sister-in-law Alice Umbstaetter and her husband Sid and brother-in-law Jim King.

Friends may call from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, October 7, 2024 at the Moreland Funeral Home, 55 East Schrock Road, Westerville. Friends are invited to attend services at 2 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Zach Bohler officiating. Burial and military honors will follow at Africa Cemetery (5201 S State Rd, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035). In lieu of flowers please donate to Orange Friends Church in Jims memory.