Jimmy F. “Jim” Ault, of Edison, died Tuesday evening, November 30, 2010, at his home surrounded by his loving family following a nine year battle with brain cancer. He was only 62 years old.
On August 7, 1948, Jimmy was born in Marion, Ohio, the son of the late Wilbur “Bill” and “Donna Ruth” (Dean) Ault. Being raised on the family farm, he learned to love to farm and their farm would seemingly become a part of him.
Jim graduated from Mount Gilead High School in the Class of 1966, and during that time he was very involved in FFA and 4H.
Following his graduation, Jim remained at the family farm and was kept busy by the countless projects his father always undertook. He helped tend to their many acres of crops, and with their excavation and tiling business. For years, Bill and Jim would help the township trustees of Canaan township with any projects where they were needed. Also, they had a hog operation for several years, where they built an innovative finishing barn that would get Jim on the cover of Ohio Farmer Magazine.
For two terms, Jim served as a supervisor and board member for the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) of Morrow County, until he was unable due to his health.
For a brief period, Jim lived in Wilmington, North Carolina, where he worked construction and owned and operated a weight loss franchise.
After being introduced by mutual friends, Jim knew he found a wonderful partner in Sharon (Benell) Crowley, whom he would marry on June 21, 1995, at Harmony Chapel United Methodist Church. Together they shared a warm and loving relationship, where they treated each other the way they would want to be treated themselves and with no regrets.
Sharing a love for traveling, Jim and Sharon enjoyed joining groups of people to places throughout the world with similar interests as theirs. Many of their travels were to places where Jim could learn more about farming, as they did in China, and they went on many SWCD farm tours. They also loved taking weekend trips to many of the state lodges. Last year, he took a special trip with his entire family spending a week at the Salt Fork State Park, enjoying all there was to enjoy. Just a few months ago, Jim and Sharon also thoroughly enjoyed a scenic six week trip out west to places such as the Bad Lands, Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park, and countless other special destinations, experiencing several unique wonders such as the Durango Silverton train ride.
With a love for water skiing, Jim took every opportunity he could to water ski. He learned this family tradition from his father and older brother, and he would share it with his children also. Jim often skied on trick skis and was able to do several tricks such as water skiing backwards, holding the rope with his foot, and he was even able to do helicopters off the ramp. He often took their boat to the Delaware Dam, Alum Creek, White sulfur, and also Candlewood Lake.
An avid Ohio State Buckeye fan, Jim enjoyed rooting on both their football and basketball teams.
A thoughtful and considerate man, Jim always saw the best in everyone and wanted the best for everyone. He was content in life and loved to be surrounded by his family and friends.
Jim will be dearly missed by his wife, Sharon Ault of Edison; two daughters: Alicia (Jeff) Levings of Mount Gilead, and their children: Jarrett, Jeffery, Aubrey and Jamison Levings; Adrianna (William) Ault Nolan of Oak Hill, New York, and their children: McKenna and Sunday Ault Nolan; a step son, Gradie (Jen) Crowley of Blacklick, and their children: Shea and Gradie Dean Crowley; and a brother, Tommy (Shirley) Ault of Oviedo, Florida.
The Ault family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Friday, December 3, 2010, at the Snyder Funeral Home, Craven Chapel, 67 N. Main St., Mount Gilead. Services celebrating his life will be held on Saturday at noon, at the Marion Salem United Methodist Church, 1640 Salem Rd., Caledonia, with Pastor Don Lockwood and Pastor Jeannie Winters officiating. Burial will be held privately in Caledonia Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Morrow County, or Harmony Chapel United Methodist Church and they may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
Jim’s family would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to everyone who has helped and been supportive throughout his illness. Your kindnesses will never be forgotten.
For those unable to attend Jim’s services, condolences may be expressed to his family by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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