James Krumenacker

James Robert Krumenacker, 69, of Dublin, passed away at home after fighting valiantly against a lingering, slowly debilitating illness. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Liz. his son Brent, and a host of aunts, uncles, friends and co-workers .He retired after 39 years with the Ohio Industrial Commission as an administrative law judge. Jim was born on September 3, 1950 in Windber, Pennsylvania to James Francis Krumenacker and Elizabeth (Dudash) Krumenacker. Jim graduated from Fairmont State University, Fairmont, West Virginia where he majored in Political Science ,a minor in History with a special interest in International Relations. At this time, he floated various aspirations....he wanted to enter the Diplomatic Corps and serve in far flung locales...or...he could be that "starving artist in a garrett"....However, his high grades earned him a full scholarship to attend Washington and Lee University School of Law, Lexington, Virginia where he obtained his J.D. degree, Class of 76L. Thereafter, Jim worked for the Industrial Commission of Ohio as an administrative law judge, hearing and deciding Worker's Compensation cases..He served as Chapter President of Local 2525 AFSME, involved with many special projects, and served the union in various capacities. He retired in 2016 after working there for 39 years. He made close friends there, whose friendships he cherished, and whose help and support especially during his last days were invaluable. Jim always had an appreciation and an eye for the aesthetic...in his mind's eye, he could always find artfulness and beauty, whether it be in the grandeur of a fiery sunset in the gloaming, or in the mundane...a lawn splashed with bright yellow dandelions! Jim passion for photography won him a contest where his photographs were published in a national photography magazine. Jim also had a thirst for creating art whether it be watercolor, acrylic, charcoal or quick pencil sketches....but his favorite medium was ink on parchment. His talent was such, that while in law school, he was privileged to study under the Master Chinese artist I-Hsiung Ju who mentored Jim's love of ink brush on silk and parchment panels which are still framed and hang on our walls at home. This furthered his love for other expressions of Asian art and he began a collection of ivory netsukes and intricately carved fine wood Chinese warriors. Jim also loved meandering through antique shops, flea markets, even garage sales, scouring the treasures for unique objets d'art, with a penchant for small statuary, religious icons in particular. Old antique chiseled gold wood frames also caught his eye and he devoted time to restoring them with the goal of framing his paintings or photographs. The collector in him extended to an array of wooden Christmas nutcrackers which graced our mantel throughout the holidays. A side collection was small grand pianos, gifts to his piano player wife on birthdays and special occasions, a most special one being a blue glass grand piano to celebrate the birth of our son. Jim was always a constant presence and supporter of his son Brent's Coffman marching band and Dublin Wind Symphony performances and looked forward to helping him with his law school studies this fall. He always clapped and cheered the loudest at his wife Liz's hobby of dance performances. Jim also loved cooking, and as a nod to his Hungarian side, made the most delicious chicken paprikash dish. But his greatest love was reading, reading, reading.... and adding to his already great treasure trove of books. His strongest interests revolved around ancient history, and religious and philosophical topics. Nothing made him happier than wandering through book fairs and book stores, pausing at every stack, shelf and pile, excitement rising at the possibility of discovering that one heretofore hidden esoteric and rare title. Jim early on had a a desire to learn more about wine, and a trip to some Michigan wineries re-kindled that excitement again. To that end, his involvement with our Wine Club afforded him that opportunity to discover and indulge in that pleasure. He so enjoyed our many wine-tasting get togethers, trips to wineries, parties with other wine lovers and savored the conversations he had and the friendships he made. We so wish that he had had more time and stronger health after his retirement so that he could have further indulged in these activities which gave him such joy. A prayer service, officiated by Deacon Paul of St. Brigid of Kildare, will be held at 1:00 on Monday, June 8 Rutherford Funeral Home, 450 West Olentangy Street, (Powell Street), Powell, Ohio. For those who knew and loved Jim, and are hesitant to attend due to pandemic restrictions,we understand. We ask that you take a moment at that time to offer up prayers and good thoughts to commemorate his welcome to his eternal rest. A memorial service and Celebration of Life get-together will be held at a later time when we may all gather safely to share and reminisce.

James Krumenacker

September 3, 1950 - June 2, 2020