James E Tansey

James E. Tansey Jr., 72, of Wakeman, died Sunday, January 24, 2021 at UH Parma Medical Center after a brief illness with COVID 19. He was born January 22, 1949 in Elyria and had been a Wakeman resident for the past 47 years moving from Vermilion. Jim worked for Sears as a Repair Tech for the past 52 years. He also served 46 years on the Wakeman Fire department as a firefighter, Captain and Chief. Jim was also an advanced EMT and worked for Citizens Ambulance and North Central EMS. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Wakeman, Wakeman Eagles, Friends of Wakeman Library, Sandusky River Valley Beekeepers Association, and the NOVFA (Northwest Ohio Volunteer Fire Association). Jim was active with the Bowling Green Fire School where he served as a director on the board and helped to set up the curriculum for the continuing education. He served as a councilman for Wakeman Village and brought Citizens Ambulance Service to Wakeman in the early 70's. He enjoyed beekeeping, gardening, and wine making. Jim will be remembered for his smile, large sense of humor, and his giving nature. He was always answering the call for someone in need. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary (nee Soboslai) Tansey of Wakeman; daughters, Linette Tansey of Wakeman and Julie Tansey of Tiffin; step son, Michael (Lisa) Simon of Norwalk; sisters, Martha Foltz of Deshler and Teresa (Reid) Caldwell of Athens; brothers, Nelson (Dianne) Tansey of Kalamazoo, MI and Martin (Suzanne) Tansey of Wakeman; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, James E.Sr. and Berneita (nee Ferber) Tansey and his brother-in-law, Bob Foltz. The family will receive friends on Friday, Jan. 29, 2021 from 2-6 p.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion Ohio. Funeral services will be Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Services will be live streamed at www.facebook.com/riddlefh . The Reverend Ron Brickner will officiate. Friends and family who want to come are welcome to attend, but due to Covid-19, we are asking that people be careful to maintain social distancing, wear masks, and refrain from embracing. The family suggests memorial contributions to NOVFA, P.O. Box 54, Green Springs, OH 44836 or Sandusky River Valley Beekeepers Association, 4865 County Rd. 175, Clyde, OH 43410. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.