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Lonny James (“Jim”)
Wakefield
Lonny James (“Jim”) Wakefield, 78, of Versailles, Ohio, passed away
peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, November 5, 2020, after being
diagnosed in early summer 2020 with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). He was
born March 20, 1942, in Yakima, Washington to the late James A. and
Thelma (Orloske) Wakefield.
Jim was a man with many talents and excelled in activities including
golfing, photography, photojournalism, home publishing, hunting, trap
shooting, fishing and gardening. He was an avid outdoorsman and a
voracious reader. He received many awards in various activities, and a
few of which he was most proud include winning the Washington State
Singles title in trapshooting, breaking 199 of 200 targets; placing
fourth in the state with his Pabst Ohio Scramble golf team; and being
named the 1990 Versailles Athletics Booster of the Year along with his
brother Vaughn.
Jim was a poultry sexor from the age of 19 until he was 74, owning his
own poultry sexing business for many years. He was involved in
activities to support American poultry sexors, and even testified in
front of a U.S. congressional committee in Washington, D.C. regarding
labor issues related to the industry. Jim was also a member of the
Versailles Eagles, and greatly enjoyed socializing with fellow members
each week.
Notwithstanding his many accomplishments, Jim’s first priority was his
family. His wife Suzanne was the love of his life, and he was a devoted
father and grandfather. His greatest joy in later years was spending
time with his nine grand-children, and attending their sporting, music
and other activities, until ALS prevented him from doing so.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, as well as by his infant son
James Robert Wakefield, his sister Karen LeDuc and his brother Vaughn
Wakefield.
Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Suzanne (Magoteaux) Wakefield,
and his daughters and sons-in-law Lisa and Mark Barga, Laura and
Jonathan Keihl, and Linda and Daniel Ahrens, all of Versailles, Ohio.
He is also survived by his sister Cheryl (Jim) Williams of Dallas,
Oregon, brother John Wakefield of Centralia, Washington, sister Lynn
(Bo) Wakefield-Rickard of Centralia, Washington and brother Greg
(Cathy) Wakefield of Atwater, California, as well as by his
grandchildren Jacob Barga, Jace Barga, Sam Barga and Jadyn Barga;
Louden (“L.J.”) Keihl, Brayden Keihl and Kendall Keihl; and Lucas
Ahrens and Evie Ahrens, all of Versailles, Ohio.
The family will be receiving guests at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home in
Versailles, Ohio on Sunday, November 8 from 2 to 5 pm and on Monday,
November 9 at 1 pm, prior to services at 2 pm. The family requests that
masks be worn and social distancing be practiced. A private graveside
service will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Versailles Life Squad or the
ALS Society.
Condolences for the family may be expressed through www.zecharbailey.com
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