James A. Longenberger

James A. Longenberger, 89, of Toledo, OH, passed away in his sleep on March 27, 2023.

James was born on September 26, 1933, to James and Wilma Longenberger in Toledo, OH. After graduating from Woodward High School in 1951, he started working in the Toledo shipyard and then moved to field construction as a journeyman Boilermaker for the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local 85. He worked for over 30 years with the Boilermakers and was invited to join the State of Ohio as a Boiler and Inservice Nuclear Inspector in 1985. In February 2000, James reached his career highlight by becoming a Chief Inspector of the State of New Hampshire with a seat on the National Board of Boiler Inspection. Having received a nuclear endorsement, he continued inspecting in the nuclear industry at various locations throughout the United States. After retiring in 2007, he went on to teach welding and blueprint reading at Owens Community College for a few years.

In 1971, he met Patricia, and they wed in 1973, going on to have two children. He had three children from his first marriage.

In the early 1950’s James played semi-pro football with the Toledo Maroon’s. He was, also, a local sprint car driver at Toledo Speedway in the early 1960’s. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed bass fishing.

James was predeceased by his daughter, Debi (survived by Tom) Combs. Also surviving, Gayle (Bill) Dahne, Jeff (Tammy) Longenberger, James (Jennifer) Longenberger, and Justin (Christy) Longenberger. He also has five grandchildren, Andrew (Sandy) Combs, Scott (Kari) Combs, Jonathan Robideaux, Bryce Longenberger, and Harper Longenberger, and six great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at the Toledo Recreation Center, 4H Building located at 1406 Key Street, Behind Rec Hall 2, Maumee, OH, on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at 4pm. Visitation will begin at 1pm at the same location. Because of his love of animals, donations can be made to the Toledo Humane Society in his honor.