James Andrew Staiger Jr., 93, died Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at OSU Wexner Medical Center in Columbus after a recent fall and years of failing health.
He was born on October 28, 1932 in Crawford County. The youngest child of the late James Sr. and Dessie (Frank) Staiger. Jim attended school at Holmes-Liberty and married his sweetheart, Nellie R. Parcher on May 9, 1953. He served in the US Army from 1954-1956, stationed near Seattle, and returned to Crawford County where he and Nellie raised their family. His working years took him from the former Cobey Manufacturing to GE, where he worked in maintenance and from where he retired, as well as working part time as a janitor for Colonel Crawford Schools.
Jim was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in North Robinson and a former member of American Legion Post 181. When something needed fixed, Jim was the man to do it. Jim and Nellie always had a passion for camping. They began with a pop-up camper and seven children and continued into their retirement years with an RV. All of this camping allowed them to visit all 49 states they could drive to while an anniversary gift to Hawaii allowed them to complete all 50 states. This passion has always provided the fondest memories for the children and grandchildren. When home in Ohio, the grandchildren’s activities kept him busy. Then when life slowed down, he found a passion in watching Ohio State Buckeyes football.
Jim is survived by children, Jody (Gordon) Grove, Dennis (Debra) Staiger, Rodney (Tina) Staiger, Joy (John) Britton, Jaimie (Kim) Staiger, and Dawn (Todd) Kocher; daughters-in-law, Linda Staiger and Sandy Staiger; 24 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; as well as extended family.
In addition to his parents, Nellie preceded Jim in death on December 18, 2011. He was also preceded by son, Tim Staiger, and sisters, Adeline Kocher, Pauline Linn, and infant Mary Ellen Staiger.
At Jim’s request, no public services will be held.
Those wishing to make a memorial contribution can make them payable to DaVita Dialysis as their care team truly became a second family to Jim, or the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and give at Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820.
Memories and photos can be shared on the guestbook of Jim’s tribute page at www.wisefuneral.com.
About The Author
