John J. Tinsman

John J. Tinsman, 87, of Fostoria, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, April 19, 2025.

JT was born in Findlay, Ohio, on February 26, 1938, to the late Harry A. and Edna M. (Burns) Tinsman. He married the former Sally Joan Edgington on June 4, 1966, in Forest, Ohio, and she preceded him in death on December 6, 2007. JT was also preceded in death by 2 grandsons, Stephen Lipscomb and Andy Baxter.

JT is survived by his children: Nancy Lipscomb of Bucyrus, Eric (Jane) Tinsman of Bellefontaine, Amy (Pat) Baxter of Fostoria, Julie Tinsman of Fostoria; 4 grandchildren: Sarah Lipscomb, Stella Baxter, Adam Tinsman, and Nate Baxter; and 2 great-grandchildren: Jaxon & Reese Baxter.

JT was a 1956 graduate of Findlay High School where he played varsity baseball for 2 years. He graduated in 1961 from Findlay College and lettered 3 years with the Oiler baseball team and was a student trainer for 4 years. In 1967, JT graduated from Indiana University with a Master's degree in Health & Safety. He taught social studies and coached junior high basketball and baseball at Lincolnview from 1961-1962. After moving to Fostoria in 1962, he taught junior high social studies, and was a coach/athletic trainer for junior high football and was a high school wrestling coach. From 1970 until 1994, JT was the athletic trainer and taught health, phys. ed., and drivers education at Fostoria High School. He continued as athletic trainer for another 2 years before retiring for good in 1996.

JT was a certified Athletic Trainer (NATA) and state of Ohio licensed Athletic Trainer. He was a member of the National Education Association, Ohio Education Association, Past President of the Fostoria Education Association, member of the National Athletic Trainers Association, Great Lake Athletic Trainers Association, a charter member of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association where he was also on the Executive Committee for several years. As Athletic Trainer at Fostoria, JT covered many district, regional, and state meets as well as the Fostoria Athletic Boosters All-Star football and basketball games. He also conducted Athletic Training Workshops for coaches, supervised student trainers, and spoke at several workshops. JT was inducted into the Ohio Athletic Trainers Hall of Fame in 1992, the Fostoria High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005, and the Hancock County Sports Hall of Fame in 2008, and received a 25-year award from NATA, and Fostoria City Schools 30-year award in 1992.

JT was also involved in the community outside of school. He was a former member of the American Red Cross, member and past chairperson of the Fostoria United Way Budget and Allocation Committee for nearly 20 years, member of Fostoria Relay for Life committee, and was an appraiser for the Hancock County Sheriff Office from 1994-2024. JT was also a member of Wesley United Methodist Church where he was a trustee for several years, a member of the Fostoria / Findlay Elks, and the Fostoria Lions Club. As an Ohio Junior Golf Association Board Member, he loved to play golf and had 2 career aces, both at Loudon Meadows. He enjoyed being outside doing yardwork and puttering around the house. JT could often be found at the grandkids' events - tennis, soccer, band, football, basketball, or baseball games - usually not too vocal, but most always there. He also enjoyed following the University of Findlay football and basketball teams over the years. Breakfasts at the American Table in Fostoria and the Findlay Tuesday Night dinner group were always on his schedule.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 4-7pm, at Harrold-Floriana Funeral Home, 301 West Tiffin St. Fostoria. Rev. Duane Kemerley will officiate JT's funeral on Thursday, April 24, at 11am at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1200 Van Buren St. Fostoria. Burial will follow the service in Knollcrest Gardens, Arcadia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, 1200 Van Buren St. Fostoria, OH 44830; or Benjamin Logan Athletic Boosters - Raider Dugout Club, 6609 St. Rt. 47 East, Bellefontaine, OH  43311.

Online condolences may be expressed to the Tinsman family at www.edsfh.com or www.hffh.net