James Rishel

James Jim Richard Rishel, age 70, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away November 1, 2017, surrounded by his family. Born in Dayton, Ohio, to James Burt and Alice Rishel, Jim lived all over Ohio, including in Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Athens. Jim was a wonderful, caring man who loved his wife and family above all else. Quick-witted and funny, Jim made people feel at ease and always had a funny story tell. He loved to teach and to explain things even if he already explained it 14 times.

A proud graduate of Ohio University, where he met his loving wife of 47 years, Linda (nee Clinesmith), Jim received his juris doctorate from The Ohio State University, hence establishing the Jim Rishel path of legal education followed by family and friends. He practiced law in the Ohio Attorney Generals office from 1972 to 1982, and, in 1982, founded the law firm of Gurley, Rishel, Martin, Myers, and Kopeck. He continued in private legal practice until 2011.

Jim took pride in his Cincinnati sports teams, even when no one else did. He loved the Ohio State Buckeyes, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Ohio Bobcats. He was an avid golfer who loved playing the sport with his family and teaching it to his children and grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his wife; his son Rob (Julie) Rishel; his daughter Jamie (Drew) Linnenbom; three grandchildren Seeley and Caden Rishel and Jackson Linnenbom; his sister Janie (Al) Fields; his nieces Heather (John) Ernst and Ellie Clinesmith and nephew Kevin Clinesmith, and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 6th at the MORELAND FUNERAL HOME 55 East Schrock Road, Westerville, with visitation one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation 2800 Corporate Exchange Drive, Suite 260, Columbus, OH 43231.