James W. Geist

James W. Geist, 86, of Xenia, Ohio, passed away on September 7, 2024.

Jim was born on January 29, 1938, in Hawthorn, PA, to Lee and Dorothy (Wells) Geist. He spent his early years attending a one-room schoolhouse until his family moved to Meadville, Pennsylvania. On his 17th birthday, he joined the U.S. Air Force, beginning a distinguished military career. He served at numerous air bases, including Itami Air Force Base near Osaka, Japan, where he worked in base security and trained sentry dogs. His dedication led him to become Chief of Security Police at a Korean base, where he was entrusted with top-secret clearance and engaged in special intelligence work.

Jim married Elizabeth Kiesel on April 18, 1959. At Kincheloe Air Force Base in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, James found joy as the base marksmanship instructor, a role he cherished. Their family grew with the births of sons Alan in 1960 and Todd in 1962. In 1964, they moved to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, where Jim continued his military duties while starting a bachelor’s degree through correspondence and night classes. When stationed at Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan, he and his family were introduced to Jesus Christ, and their new faith began to change their lives. Wherever they moved, they became active members of local churches. While at Kadena, they adopted their daughter Jayme from Korea in 1972.

That same year, the family returned to Lackland Air Force Base, where Jim completed his bachelor’s degree and was promoted to Senior Master Sergeant. Following his retirement in 1977 after 22 years of dedicated service, he continued to serve his community in new ways. In Meadville, he worked as an insurance adjuster with National Grange Mutual and later as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, retiring at age 62.

After relocating to Ohio to be near family, Jim became a cherished resident at Legacy Village in Xenia, OH. There, he was honored as the 2019 National Church Residences Volunteer of the Year for his unwavering commitment to fostering community spirit. He tended to the Memorial Garden, started a lively conversation group, and brought joy to residents through bingo, cards, and special events. His genuine warmth and friendliness made a lasting impact on those around him.

Jim is lovingly remembered by his wife, Elizabeth; sons Alan (Lynn) of Springfield, OH, and Todd (Shawna) of Cincinnati, OH; daughter Jayme (Dave) Johnston of Lynchburg, VA; grandchildren Brendan, Alissa, Will, and Ryan Geist; his sister Carol Moyer; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee Geist and Dorothy Moyer; a sister who did not survive; his brother, Wayne; and stepmother, Gertrude Geist.

In Xenia, there will be a visitation (11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.) with a short program (at 11:00) at Legacy Village Community Center on Thursday, September 19. In Meadville, PA, there will be a visitation (1:30-3:30 p.m.) with a short program (at 2:30 p.m.), at Rose and Waid Funeral Home & Crematory on Saturday, September 21. Following the visitation the immediate family will proceed to Greendale Cemetery for the burial.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations for Legacy Village Foundation, National Church Residences 2245 North Bank Dr. Columbus, OH 43220-5422. Please note on the check that your donation is for the Memorial Garden in memory of Jim Geist.