Obituary for James A. Penwell

James A. Penwell 81, of Ohio passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter and love that will continue to live on in all who knew him. He was born on September 18, 1944 in Bainbridge, OH, a place that shaped the values he carried with him throughout his life.

James was preceded in death by his parents Alexander Penwell and Evelyn (Leeth) Penwell, brothers; Butch (Terry) Knicely, Mike Penwell and his beloved son Jamie Penwell. Though loss touched his life deeply, James carried on a quiet strength and a heart that never stopped loving.

He is survived by his children; Scott Penwell (Ashley) of Lima, OH, Angel Tackett (Scott) of Hendersonville, TN and Thomas J. Penwell of Upper Sandusky, OH; as well as his sisters, Sue Taylor (Clyde) and Connie Milligan both of Upper Sandusky, OH. He was the proud grandfather of nineteen grandchildren and a “mess” of great grandchildren, each one dearly loved with the truest definition of the world. His pride in his family was evident in every story told, every smile shared, and every moment spent together.

A proud United States Navy Veteran, James served his country with honor, carrying that same sense of duty and integrity into civilian life. He never met a stranger-only friends he hadn’t talked to yet. Whether in a store aisle, at a flea market, or on a quiet front porch, James had a way of making people feel known, welcome, and at ease.

When he wasn’t found on a creek bank patiently waiting to hook that monster, James was on the hunt for the next antique that was “going to be worth something someday.”

Those treasures-like his stories- were priceless not for their value, but for the memories attached to them. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His legacy lives on in the laughter of his grandchildren, the stories passed down and the countless lives he touched simply by being himself. The world is a little quieter without him-but infinitely richer because he was here.

A gathering of family and friends to celebrate James’s life will be held on Tuesday December 30, 2025, from 6-8pm at Bringman Clark Funeral Home. A private memorial burial will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans in care of Bringman Clark Funeral Home 226 E. Wyandot Ave. Upper Sandusky, OH 43351

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