James Orchard Obituary

DANVILLE: James (Jim) Sterling Orchard, beloved dad, grandpa, and great grandpa, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 7, 2025, surrounded by family at the age of 90.
Born in Bedford, Ohio, he was the son of the late Sterling and Nettie Mae (Smith) Orchard. He graduated from Bedford High School in 1953. He continued his education, graduating from Hiram with a bachelor's degree and from Kent State University with a master's degree, both in education. He spent most of his professional career teaching in the West Holmes School District. He also served for six years in the Ohio National Guard.
Jim married the love of his life, Carol Ann Jones, on September 14, 1961, in Bedford, Ohio, and together they raised three children; Steven (Tonya) Orchard, Kathleen (James) Price, Alice (Michael) Glaser. He was preceded in death by Carol in 2023. After the family relocated to rural Knox County Ohio in 1972, he continued his professional career as a 5th grade teacher at Lakeville Elementary School in Holmes County. Those who were blessed to be in his classroom may remember his first-day challenge for them: memorizing the "longest word in the English language" -- pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis.
He developed a love for photography and taught himself how to use Photoshop Elements to edit those photos and then went on to teach many others how to use that computer program. He also enjoyed working in the woods -- creating trails, cutting firewood, woodworking, and even making two fiddles.
Jim dearly loved his family, his students, and his neighbors & friends. He is survived by his children Steven [Tonya], Kathleen [James], and Alice [Michael], as well as 8 grandchildren (Bryan, Brayton, Caleb, Amanda, Becky, Travis, Clayton, and Carolyn) and 10 great grandchildren.
Jim is a member of Zion Lutheran Church of Loudonville, Ohio.
Jim's family will always be grateful to the loving staff at McMullen Assisted Care in Loudonville, Ohio, and to friends and family who shared their time and love with him.
A graveside service in Jim's memory will take place at noon on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at the Loudonville Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest.
Memorial contributions in Jim's memory may be made to Zion Lutheran Church of Loudonville.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Jim's family and encourages you to share a memory or condolence with them on his tribute page.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Sterling Orchard, please visit our floral store.