James P. Dearth

James P. Dearth, age 79 died on April 4, 2021. Jim was born in New Lexington, Ohio in 1941, was preceded in death by his parents Everett (1979) and Helen Karns Dearth/Johnson (2004), brothers George (1984) and Gerald (2003) and Dennis (2020) and is survived by his wife of 58 years Virginia Kautz Dearth, son Brian (Jan) of Ridgefield, CT and daughter Tami of Eaton, grandsons Cal of Boston, MA, Peter of Syracuse, NY and Ray of Ridgefield, CT. Half-Sisters:  Marjorie Kangas of Eaton, Judy (Charlie) Biggs of Camden, Karen (Boyd) Eby of Kissimmee, FL, Deborah Baker (Roy) of Ooltewah, TN, Sue Hercutt of New Lebanon. Half-Brothers:  James (Ann) Mann of Eaton, Roger Mann of Miami, FL, Ken Dearth and a very special Aunt Mabel Dearth.  Jim is a graduate of Eaton High School Class of 1959, served in the U.S. Army from 1959-1962, trained at Ft. Knox, and stationed at the Nike Missile Site, Army Air Defense Command, Oxford, Ohio.  After his military service, he married Virginia Kautz in 1962. He worked several jobs before finding his calling.  In 1967, Jim joined the Eaton Police Department; was promoted to Sergeant in 1979; graduated from the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville in 1981 and was appointed Chief of Police in 1982. After an illustrious career, he retired in September of 1996. During his law enforcement career, he was rewarded with numerous awards and commendations.   Jim was also active in the Eaton Little League serving as manager, coach, and also umpiring.  He was an active member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Eaton. Some of his most cherished memories were watching his children, Brian & Tami excel in sports at Eaton High School as well as his three grandsons who excelled in lacrosse both in high school and college; Cal @ Boston University (All American); Peter @ Syracuse (All American & 3-time Captain) and Raymond @ Ridgefield High School.  A Celebration of Life Gathering for James P. Dearth will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, June 13, 2021 at the shelter behind Grace Lutheran Church, 111 Lutheran Drive, Eaton, OH.  Everyone is welcome, please bring a lawn chair and shre your favorite memories of Jim.  Girton Schmidt & Boucher Gard Funeral Home, Eaton is assisting with arrangements. Online condolence and other remembrances may be sent by visiting www.gsbfuneralhome.com.