Obituary for James W. Reile

James W. Reile, age 88, of Upper Sandusky, passed away peacefully at Blanchard Valley Hospital on February 10, 2026. He was born July 25, 1937, to the late Ulrich C. Reile and E. Marjorie (Wyss) Reile Shane. He was also blessed with his stepmother, Cartha (Critchet) Reile, and stepfather, Wilbur Shane.

On July 27, 1957, Jim married the love of his life, Emma H. (Lucius) Reile. Together they shared nearly 69 years of marriage, building a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work.

Emma survives at home in Upper Sandusky. Jim is also survived by his children, James (Kathleen) Reile, Randy (Diane) Reile, Patricia (Kenneth) Young, all of Upper Sandusky, Don Reile, of Columbus, and Rachel Kaplan of Maineville; 13 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren, all of whom were a constant source of pride and joy in his life.

He is further survived by his sister, Kathleen (Nolan) Green of Texas, and his half-sister, Sandy (Mark) Micheli of Upper Sandusky, whom Jim helped raise and remained very close to throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his stepbrothers, Dallas and Denny Critchet, and a stepsister, Barbara Therlertis.

Jim Graduated from Salem High School with the class of 1955. He was a lifelong farmer, astute business man, and was equally dedicated to serving the Upper Sandusky/Wyandot County community. In addition to farming, he proudly served on the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Department and the Sheriff’s Auxiliary for more than 50 years.

A member of Transfiguration of the Lord Catholic Church, Jim lived his faith through quiet generosity and kindness. He was a member of the Wyandot County Rod and Gun Club, Moose Lodge 1093, and the Elks Lodge BPOE 83.

He served as a board member of Angeline Industries and dedicated 39 years as a board member of First Citizens National Bank. He was also past president of the USHS Rams Boosters and served for many years on the Wyandot County Hall of Fame committee.

Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing (especially trips to Whitefish Falls in Canada), vacations in Las Vegas, and the friendships he built over a lifetime of truly loving people, especially with the local morning breakfast group. Jim was famously known for his gift of storytelling (especially about sports accomplishments in his youth, hunting, fishing, and yes, trips to Las Vegas!). Yet, nothing brought him more joy than sitting in the stands, cheering on his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren at their sporting events. His greatest pride was his family, and he rarely missed an opportunity to support them.

A funeral service will be held Monday, February 16, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph-Salem Heritage Society, 7975 Twp Hwy, 103, Carey, (Wyandot county), Ohio with Father Savio Manavalan OFM Conv. & Deacon Kevin Wintersteller officiating. Visitation will be held at Bringman Clark Funeral Home Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 1 to 4 p.m., with a 4:00 p.m. Catholic Prayer Service.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph/Salem Heritage Society or to the charity of the donor’s choice in care of Bringman Clark Funeral Home, 226 East Wyandot Ave., Upper Sandusky, Ohio 43351. To extend a condolence or share a memory, please visit www.BringmanClark.com.

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