James Nicholas LaFountain

James Nicholas LaFountain, age 75, of Swanton, Ohio, died early Monday morning, January 7, 2013 in his home, with his family at his bedside. He was born December 3, 1937 in Metamora, Ohio, and was the eldest son of Clarence “Lefty” and Thelma LaFountain and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Assumption and joined the U.S. Coast Guard in July of 1958. He was honorably discharged in August of 1962. Jim worked as a Senior Electrical Engineer for The Anderson’s in Maumee and was an avid model railroad enthusiast.

He was a faithful member of St. Richard Catholic Parish in Swanton, where he served many years as an usher. He was involved for several years with Koinonia, a non-denominational prayer group. He was part of St. Richard “Christ Renews His Parish” and a member of Servants of Song - which he truly enjoyed.

Jim was a man of few words, but was a good listener and always had a smile for everyone. He is survived by his sons, John LaFountain of Swanton, OH and Michael LaFountain of Malakoff, TX; granddaughters, Courtney and Emily LaFountain, Christina Tripp, and Allison Smith; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Susan (Gary) Jewell of Monroe, MI, Alice (Ken) Siefker of Metamora, OH, and Mary Ellen (Don) Metzger of Toledo, OH; brother, Edward (Lois) LaFountain of Sylvania, OH; as well as many nieces and nephews; and special friend, Mary Johnson.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Thelma; and his wife, Mary Ann.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 11th from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Weigel Funeral Home in Swanton, where the Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Prayers will begin in the Funeral Home, Saturday, January 12th at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Resurrection at 11:00 a.m. at St. Richard Catholic Church, with Father Adam Hertzfeld presiding and Deacon Jerry Ziemkiewicz assisting. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Assumption.Memorial contributions may be made to St. Richard Church, 333 Brookside Dr., Swanton, OH 43558, Hospice of Northwest Ohio, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Residence: Swanton, Ohio

Visitation: Friday, January 11th from 2 to 8 pm at the Weigel Funeral Home in Swanton

Mass of Resurrection: Saturday, January 12th at 11:00 am at St. Richard Catholic Church

Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery in Assumption