James H. Kuenzli

James Kuenzli ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Snyder Funeral Homes, DeVore Chapel on Mar. 16, 2026.James H. Kuenzli, Sr., age 85, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away peacefully at Mount Carmel St. Ann's Hospital on March 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family as he went home to be with his Lord.Jim was born on April 7, 1940, in Bucyrus, Ohio. His favorite childhood moments were those spent on his grandfather Miller's farm where he learned to fish and found a lifelong love of nature. He was proud to be a boy scout, newspaper boy, marching band drummer, and lifeguard. He graduated from Bellefontaine High School, where he lettered in football and track, and remained active in choir and band. As a Senior, the coaches of the Western Buckeye League voted him noseguard to its First String Defense, and he was selected as an All-Star Defense player for that League by the Sports Editors of the Toledo Blade and Toledo Times. He also won his high school conference in shot-put, and set the school's shot-put record in track and field. He respectfully declined the offer to play college football, but continued his education at his father's alma mater – Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio – earning a Bachelor of Science in Education, and later receiving his Master of Secondary Education from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.Jim devoted his life to education and particularly to the students he served. In the 1960s, he began his career as a history and civics teacher and then assistant principal in the Mt. Healthy School District of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he met and married the prettiest, sweetest girl ever – elementary school teacher Elizabeth Lynch of LaFollette, Tennessee. After welcoming their two precious children, Cindy and Jimmy, the young family moved to Delaware County in the 1970s when Jim accepted his first position as principal at Olentangy High School. The family relocated again to Madison County when he became principal at London High School from 1979-1991. After "retiring", Jim continued his dedication to education by serving as advisor, athletic director, and assistant principal at neighboring Madison Plains High School. Then his favorite post-retirement position began with the arrival of his grandchildren and the new title they lovingly bestowed upon him – Papa.Jim truly loved working with and for young people, taking the time to get to know them, encouraging them, and celebrating their achievements-especially the moment they received their diplomas. Their success was always his greatest goal, and he embraced positive, innovative change to help better prepare them for the ever-changing future. When a new high school was needed, he directed the relocation while keeping the school's longstanding traditions intact. When many believed technology was just a passing fad, he set up the first computer lab with a designated teacher. And when students were identified as at risk, he established the Intervention Assistance Team so no student was left behind.A lifelong member of the Lutheran Church, Jim found great joy in his faith. He was honored to be part of the effort to build the new St. John's Lutheran Church in London, Ohio, where he was a member for more than 40 years. He especially enjoyed singing in the church choir and with the church praise band during worship services. His voice was one of God's greatest gifts to him, and one he continued to share with his family and nurses until the last day he could speak in the ICU.From the day he was born prematurely, and not expected to survive, Jim was blessed with an uncanny ability to not simply survive, but to thrive, on challenges and setbacks. His genuine, unshakeable optimism was inspiring to anyone facing their own difficult times. He was truly a good and kind man, with an infectious sense of humor, jolly laugh, and deep bass voice that radiated strength and warmth to all around him. There was no one better to calmly and steadily help you navigate through any crisis, no shoulder stronger or more comforting to cry on. We will all miss him so.Jim is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Elizabeth; daughter, Cynthia (Sam) Frazzini; son, James H. Kuenzli, Jr.; and cherished grandchildren, Alex (Sylvie) Harris, Kambria Kuenzli, Anthony (Sophia) Kuenzli, Kayleigh Kuenzli, and Dominic James Frazzini. He is also survived by loving sister-in-law Dorothy Wells; brother-in-law James (Betty) Lynch; sister-in-law Kathy (Dennis) Wilson; brother-in-law Jack (Michele) Lynch; sister-in-law Mary Ann Lynch, sister-in-law Phyllis Barnes, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his wonderful parents, Homer Abraham and Anna Jane Kuenzli; sister, Nancy Eckert; father-in-law and mother-in law, Carter and Edna Lynch; sister-in-law Jean Copeland; and brothers-in-law Harold Copeland, Dan Wells, Tom Lynch, and David Lynch; niece Traci Lynch and nephew Daniel Lynch.Friends are invited to call on Friday, March 20, 2026 between 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Snyder Funeral Homes, DeVore Chapel, 637 N. State Route 61 at Route 3, Sunbury, Ohio 43074. All are welcome to stay for the memorial service to be held immediately thereafter at 1:00 p.m., followed by burial and graveside prayers at the Galena Cemetery, with former student and dear family friend, the Reverand Julie Johnson, officiating.Snyder Funeral Homes, DeVore Chapel, is honored to serve the Kuenzli family.Online condolences may be shared at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.