James Draeger Obituary

James A. Draeger

Sep 3, 1940 - Jan 1, 2024

Fremont

James Arthur Draeger, 83, of Fremont, passed away Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, at Bethesda Care Center.

He was born Sept. 3, 1940, in Fremont, the son of Arthur and Edna (Beeker) Draeger.

Jim was a 1958 graduate of Harris-Elmore High School. He also graduated from Bowling Green State University with a B.S. in Journalism and Graduate School of Banking at University of Wisconsin.

In 1962, he married Sophia Leach at New Dover Methodist Church in New Dover, Ohio.

After graduating from BGSU, Jim worked as a reporter for the Farmland News in Napoleon. He came to Fremont in 1964 and worked as a news announcer for WFRO radio station. In 1967, he began his banking career with Liberty National Bank as manager of the Lindsey office.

In 1975, Jim joined Croghan Colonial Bank and worked there 28 years, retiring as Vice President and served as chairman of the mortgage loan department and chief agricultural lender.

Jim was a member of Fremont Lions Club, Masons, Scottish Rite, and Zenobia Shrine, and active member of Hayes Memorial United Methodist Church. He served on the Agricultural Committee of Sandusky County Chamber of Commerce and was a long-time board member and treasurer of the Sandusky County Chapter of American Red Cross. He was a talented woodworker and carpenter, turning bowls and vessels from wood he sourced all over the world.

James is survived by his children, Laura Draeger Casdorph of Aiken, South Carolina, Jeff (Jen Whereatt) Draeger of Seattle, Washington, and Eric (Tammy) Draeger of Fremont; grandchildren, Madison Casdorph, Levenda Ranney, and Jeremy Meade; great-grandchildren, Bailey Rose and Destine Lottie Rose Casdorph Azlye and Brexli Ranney; and brother, Bill (Joyce) Draeger of Lindsey.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, until the time of James' funeral at 12 p.m. at Herman-Karlovetz Funeral Home & Crematory, 900 North Street, Fremont. Pastor Joshua Wynn will officiate. Burial will follow at Harris Union Cemetery, Elmore.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriner's Children's Hospital or Hayes Memorial United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hermanfh.com.