James J. “Jim” Utendorf, 76, of Grover Hill, passed away at 9:19 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at HCA Florida Blake Hospital, Bradenton, FL surrounded by his loving wife of 50 years and two daughters. He was born October 10, 1949, in Ottawa to the late William P. and Helen L. (Recker) Utendorf. On August 30, 1975, he married Linda L. Burgei at St. Barbara Catholic Church, Cloverdale, and she survives in Grover Hill.

Other survivors include two daughters: Jaime (Mitch) Kipfer of Payne and Jodi (Joe) Koehler of Bradenton, FL; seven grandchildren: Jenna, Lauren, Abby and Evan Kipfer and Lindsey, Logan, and Ally Koehler; siblings: William (Joan) Utendorf, Janice (Roger) Stemen, Judy (Dan) Siefker, Mick (Denny) Brickner, Roger Utendorf and Steven (Carla) Utendorf; sister-in-law, Carol Utendorf; and several nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by a daughter, Jennifer Lynne; sister and brother-in-law, Donna (Dan) Lammers; brother, Gary Utendorf; brother-in-law, Dwain Shumaker; and sister-in-law, Judy Utendorf.

Jim worked for Verhoff Machining until his kidney transplant almost 15 years ago. He spent his lifetime as a family man splitting his time with his daughters between Ohio and Florida. His Floridian grandchildren lovingly called him Papa Ohio. Jim loved spending his days at the dog or horse tracks, traveling, camping, watching the Buckeyes, going to casinos, fishing, sitting on the porch swing, watching the grandchildren, and playing cards every chance he could. His favorite phrases were “If you are playing a good game of cards, you’re having a great day” and “There’s no mercy in cards”. Jim was a member of St. Barbara’s Catholic Church, Cloverdale.

Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 25, 2026, at St. Barbara’s Catholic Church, Cloverdale with Very Reverend George Mahas officiating. Burial will follow in St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Payne, Ohio. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Friday at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township and 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday prior to mass at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation (www.kidney.org).

Condolences may be expressed at www.loveheitmeyer.com.