James Michael Bierly

James Michael Bierly, 79, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2024 at his home in Westerville, OH surrounded by family. Jim was born in Columbus, OH on November 12, 1944 to his late parents (Willard and Henrietta Bierly) and was the youngest of three boys, his late brothers William (Bill) Bierly and Phillip (The Owl) Bierly. He graduated from Olentangy High School in 1958 and worked his entire career as a journeyman sheet metal worker and was a long-time member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 24.

Jim married his first wife (Marsha Wickline) in 1968 and had two sons (James (Jimmy) and Kevin Bierly) in 1970 and 1973, respectively. On November 20, 2009, he later married the love of his life (Amy Bierly) after many years of courtship adding another son and daughter (Alex Whitsel and Meridith Ntukidem) to his family. He loved spending time with his family and many friends talking and telling stories and truly never met a stranger.

In addition to spending time with family and friends, he loved playing cards and other games and his hobbies included sports, motorcycles and helping others anytime he could. He was an avid sports enthusiast and lifelong fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes. In honor of his first son, James M. Bierly II (Jimmy), who passed away from cancer in July 1993 at the young age of 23, he and several friends and family members created Central Ohio Cancer Challenge, a charity golf outing that raised money annually and donated more than $300,000 over nearly 25 years to numerous individuals battling cancer as well as many community-based cancer-related charities including Kobacker House, Hope Hollow, The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Nationwide Childrens Hospital, and Peletonia. The Cancer Challenge held a very special place in Jim's heart and his many years of hard work and dedication lives on as a reminder through the many dozens of memorial pavers placed throughout the tranquility garden at Kobacker House.

Jim leaves behind his loving wife (Amy Bierly), his sons (Kevin Bierly and Alex Whitsel), his daughter and son-in-law (Meridith and Dr. Nse Ntukidem), and his grandchildren (Lincoln and Sloan Whitsel and Ini, Edion, Idara, and Emmaido Ntukidem). He was preceded in death by his father and mother (Willard and Henrietta Bierly), his brothers (William (Bill) and Phillip (The Owl) Bierly), and his son (James (Jimmy) Bierly II). He also leaves behind a host of friends, relatives, and loved ones across the United States, too numerous to mention.

The family is forever grateful for the compassion, dedication, and exceptional care provided by his team of doctors led by Dr. Peter Kourlas at Columbus Oncology and Hematology Associates and includes many other doctors, nurses and aides, along with the exceptional hospice services offered by Kobacker House that allowed him to spend his remaining days in the comfort of his home surrounded by family and friends. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed. A celebration of life will be held later this fall all of his friends and family are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Kobacker House; 800 McConnell Dr.; Columbus, OH 43214. https://www.ohiohealth.com/locations/hospice/kobacker-house