James Callahan Stafford

James Callahan "Papa" Stafford, age 84, of Fairfield, Township, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 18, 2018 at his residence.  He was born Friday, June 30, 1933 in Cleveland, Ohio to Kenneth and Elma (nee Callahan) Stafford.

James entered the Navy as a young boy, and while he served on American soil, he left the Navy as a man.  It was a train ride to New York to watch his beloved Cleveland Indians where James met the love of his life, Kathleen Weithman.  After two short years of dating, the two were married on Saturday, June 8, 1957.  This would be the beginning of an amazing life together as they raised 3 children, 3 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

As a young man, James was an accomplished speed skater, winning renowned competitions such as The Chicago Silver Skates. James served his country in the Navy and went on to attend The Ohio State University. While raising his family with Kathleen in Piqua Ohio, James owned and operated James Stafford Volkswagen.  A successful businessman, he also owned The Springs Supper Club along the Great Miami River in Piqua and gave his time selflessly serving as President of the Chamber of Commerce.  He was proud to have served the Chamber through the planning, building and opening of the local airport in Piqua.

James truly enjoyed boating on the Great Lakes. Over the years he owned multiple boats which gave him great pride. His family was blessed with the opportunity to create so many cherished memories on Lake Erie and specifically in Put-In-Bay. In fact he was one of the founding members of the Cruise Nest Yacht Club. Throughout the summer you could find him on his boat by day and enjoying a few beers with friends at a local establishment by night.

James has left quite a legacy for his family and friends.  He was the type of person that never met a stranger and was known as Papa to all.  His greatest joy in life was being a Husband, Father, Papa, and Friend.  He will be missed by all that knew and loved him.

James was preceded in death by: his parents, Kenneth and Elma Stafford; wife of 60 years, Kathleen (nee Weithman) Stafford on Saturday, January 20, 2018; and brother, Kenneth Stafford.

James is survived by: children, Jim (Becky) Stafford Jr., Maryann (Dale) Turner and Robert (Jamie) Stafford; grandchildren, Jeni Turner, Jackie (Drew) Kesse and Ashley (Brad) Perkins; step-grandchildren, Michelle (Jason) Stamm and Nick (Amy) Garman; great-grandchildren, Addison Kesse, Turner Kesse, Aubrielle Perkins and Everleigh Perkins; sister, Sandra (Perry) Pine; sister-in-law, Pat Stafford; also survived by many other loving family members and friends.

Visitation will be held Saturday, May 26, 2018 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Mueller Funeral Home, 6791 Tylersville Road, Mason, Ohio 45040.  Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 AM at the Funeral Home.

Memorials may be directed to Otterbein Homes, Charitable Gift Planning, 580 N. State Route 741, Lebanon, OH 45036 or to the charity of your choice.

Please sign the guestbook at MuellerfuneralS.com