In Memory

James Theodore McEachen VIEW PROFILE

James Theodore McEachen

      James Theodore McEachen

Jim passed away peacefully on the morning of February 17, 2025 in West Chester, Ohio, surrounded by the love of his family. Jim was a native of Battle Creek, Michigan. After high school he earned his degree from Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan in 1969. In 1970, Jim married Anita Koivunen. In about 1987, he married Dianne Weibel. His career took him across the country, with significant roles at XYCOM in Saline, Michigan, Midbrook Products in Jackson, Michigan, and, most notably, Ransohoff/Cleaning Technologies Group in Cincinnati, Ohio. Jim’s leadership at Cleaning Technologies, where he served as CEO and President, led to the company’s pivotal growth and evolution, including its successful sale in 2006. He skillfully navigated the challenges of the 2008-2009 recession and was as comfortable on the factory floor as he was in the boardroom. After retiring in 2013, he continued to share his expertise as a consultant until 2019. Jim’s passion for travel took him across Europe and China, blending his love for exploration with professional and personal fulfillment. He was a mentor and confidant, known for his keen intellect, generosity, and deep appreciation for history and current events. He volunteered at a senior center, engaging in discussions that made others feel valued and heard, always bringing treats and staying as long as someone wanted to talk. A devoted sports fan, Jim’s loyalty stretched from his Michigan roots with the Detroit teams to his adopted hometown’s Cincinnati Bengals and Reds. He was also a gifted cook, leaving behind cherished recipes that will forever connect his loved ones to the warmth of his kitchen. Above all, Jim’s greatest joy was his family. His love was fierce, unwavering, and unconditional. Every moment with them was treasured, and he built his life around time spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren. His presence was a constant source of encouragement, wisdom, and laughter. Jim faced his final challenge with the same resilience and grace that defined his life. In 2020, Jim was diagnosed with a rare form of autoimmune encephalitis, a journey that led him to Liberty Place Memory Care in early 2022. There, he and his family found a new kind of family—compassionate caregivers, fellow residents, and their loved ones—who turned a difficult path into one filled with warmth, joy, and shared humanity. Survivors included Jim’s devoted wife and best friend of 38 years, Dianne (Weibel); his children, Benjamin, Cara, and Samantha; his beloved grandchildren, Theodore and Madeline; his brother Robert (Judi) and their children Scott and Katie; and a large extended family who adored him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elwin McEachen and Lenore (Thurow) McEachen. Jim lived every day with purpose, kindness, and a deep appreciation for the people around him. He was, and always will be, deeply loved. To view Jim’s obituary follow the link below.

Information from Jim’s obituary posted online on February 25, 2025 by Hodapp Funeral Home, West Chester Ohio; and ancestry.com.

https://www.hodappfuneralhome.com/obituaries/james-mceachen



 
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02/26/25 08:02 PM #1    

Phillip Hersha

I'm  sorry to lose my friend Jim. We had a great time together in high school as one of the "Boys". Many , mostly scandalous adventures. He was a good guy and genuinely cared for others. From his obituary, it's apparent he continued to live life with kindness and friendship.I called to talk to him but it was day to day, moment to moment chance. Goodbye, my friend!


02/27/25 04:01 PM #2    

Jeff Brackett

We miss you already Big Mos!!  Keep watch over us!


02/27/25 04:51 PM #3    

Michael MacDonald

Jim and I were good friends at Verona and WK. He lived just one block from me.  His parents were very nice. We did a lot of bike riding, even riding over to Marshall one time with Jeff Brackett. He was doubling me on his bike one day when we were in sixth grade and got caught by Mr. Lloyd. We got suspended from the Safety Patrol.  We played football his brother, Bob, and others in the neighborhood.  I remember tackling him in one game and breaking his arm. Felt really bad about it. Sounds like he had a good life. My sympathies to his family. 


02/28/25 10:33 AM #4    

Douglas Pattullo

So sorry to learn of the passing of my old friend "Mos"!  Several memories of the "boys" (as Phil "Pretty" Hersha called us) misadventures in our high school days.  Some of us called Jim recently on his birthday when he was in a memory unit. (thanks Roo!)  He was a really good guy!  Thoughs and prayers to his family.


03/02/25 08:24 AM #5    

Robert Davidson

I met Jim at WK. He lived just near the edge of the Fremont grade school line, so our homes were only a short distance apart. So it was easy to get a group together at his house to play basketball and football together  in his back yard. Some Fremont kids, and some Verona kids. We remained friends through high school and even the first year of college, as we we were both at Michigan Tech our freshman year. I went to Ann Arbor and U of M for remainder of college and sort of lost contact with him after that. Jim was a very smart, witty, honest guy and I am pleased to read of his successful life. So sorry he contracted this weird disease that stole him from his friends and family all too soon.


03/02/25 08:24 AM #6    

Robert Davidson

I met Jim at WK. He lived just near the edge of the Fremont grade school line, so our homes were only a short distance apart. So it was easy to get a group together at his house to play basketball and football together  in his back yard. Some Fremont kids, and some Verona kids. We remained friends through high school and even the first year of college, as we we were both at Michigan Tech our freshman year. I went to Ann Arbor and U of M for remainder of college and sort of lost contact with him after that. Jim was a very smart, witty, honest guy and I am pleased to read of his successful life. So sorry he contracted this weird disease that stole him from his friends and family all too soon.


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