James Edwards Chisholm (Jim) passed away peacefully at home in Cincinnati OH on Monday, March 27, 2023 after a 4.5 year battle with blood/bone cancer, dementia and stroke. He was 76 years old.
Jim was born and raised in Cincinnati OH, the oldest child of James M. and Victoria C. Chisholm. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design from University of Cincinnati School of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning. He was a devoted husband, active and loving father, a compassionate friend, generous volunteer, and avid bike rider.
His career in the plastics industry started in R&D for Formica in Cincinnati, moved to a boat builder in Florida, a horse breeding farm in rural West Virginia, and a return to Cincinnati as head of R&D for Crane Plumbing Fixtures (now American Standard). In 1991 he started his own business around an invention to eliminate toxic fumes in the production of fiberglass parts such as boats or tub/shower units. He semi-retired in 2003 to focus on raising his boys and volunteering, and fully retired in 2005.
Jim was a parent volunteer at every opportunity: church nursery/Sunday school, field trip chaperone, soccer team coach, Boy Scout leader. For many years he organized his son's Destination Imagination teams and twice his boys team advanced to DI Global Finals. He we was also a youth group helper, and Young Life board member.
Jim was a very active and loyal volunteer for the community as well. His dyslexia was a lifelong handicap, so he was a long-time volunteer tutor for children who struggled learning to read. He also supported church outreach programs, took his dog to visit the nursing unit at the local retirement community, and helped at a food/aid truck for the homeless. He befriended nearly everyone he came in contact with regularly, from neighbors walking their dogs to the mail carrier.
Jim is survived by his wife of 32 years, Betsy Priem Chisholm, their sons Jimmy (Sunny) Chisholm, and Cory Chisholm, all of Cincinnati. His siblings are Ann (Dave) Hart of Venice, FL; Bob (Tyke) Chisholm of Dallas, TX; Becky (Larry) Reinhart of Raleigh, NC; and Sara (Jerry ) Kocsis of Birmingham, AL, among whom are 10 nieces/nephews and 11 grand-niece/nephews.
The family will receive visitors on Friday April 28th at 6:30 - 8:30 pm at Montgomery Community Church (11251 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45249). Jim's memorial service will be held on Saturday April 29th, 2023 at 10:30-11:30 am, followed by a lunch reception at 11:30-1:30, also at Montgomery Community Church. Please RSVP for the lunch reception here<
https://pp.events/ajYOmJQ6> so we can accommodate everyone.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a tribute donation to one of Jim's favorite charities: Younglife (Christian youth program), Operation Give-Back (local after-school homework program) or Compassion International (child support program), or to one of your favorite charities. Please indicate whether you want the family informed of your tribute so we can thank you.
