James Goldsmith Jr

James Richard “Rich” Goldsmith, Jr., 61, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, March 14, 2012, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Shreveport, Louisiana May 26, 1950, the son of the late James R. “Jim” and Mary Laurene (Wingfield) Goldsmith. The family would later move to Ohio where Rich graduated from Ashland High School in 1968 and Urbana University in 1974.

Rich married his soul mate, Anita Carol (Kincaid) Goldsmith, October 18, 1991, who survives. Also surviving are children, Chad (Amanda) Webb of Raeford, North Carolina, Jennifer Webb of Bolivar, Ross Goldsmith of Mechanicsburg, Ohio and Shelby Goldsmith of Bellefontaine; a sister, Lauren Ashley of Rochester, New Hampshire and a grandmother, Laura Nenie Wingfield of Mena, Arkansas.

He worked at Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc. for twenty years as an Engineering Coordinator, and leaves behind many dear friends and colleagues. His passions included dirt bike riding, working outdoors, running and spending time with his family and friends.

He was extremely proud of his family history as his grandfather and great-grandmother, Frank J. W. and Emily Alice Goldsmith (Illman), were survivors of the sinking of the R.M.S. Titanic April 15, 1912. Nine-year-old Frankie and his mother stepped into the last lifeboat that left the deck of the Titanic about 20 minutes before the ship foundered. Rich’s great-grandfather, Frank J. Goldsmith Sr., drowned in the sinking and his body was never recovered.

He was also a loving grandfather to Emerson Joy Webb, as well as a caring uncle to several nieces.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 10:30 A.M. at the Fairview Cemetery in West Liberty, Ohio with Pastor C. J. Plogger officiating. Calling hours will be held at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine Friday, March 16, 2012 from 4 to 7 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that memorial contributions be made in his name to Universal Home Health & Hospice 701 S. Main St. Bellefontaine, OH 43311

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