James Edward Workman

James Workman was born at home on January 28th, 1945 in Logan, WV to the late Arthur Bascom and Isabelle Crum. He was number eleven of twelve children. While he was still a toddler, his family moved to Scioto County, Ohio. Upon graduation from high school, in Toledo, he joined the Navy at 17 years of age. During the next 10 years, he served in the Vietnam War as a ship navigator and instructor, earning the rank of QuarterMaster. He received the numerous honors and medals, while in the Navy, including the following: National Defense Service Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal Two Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal. While in the Navy, he married his first wife Jane Morris. They had three children together: Judy, Janice and Jeannette. After retiring from the Navy, due to the ill health of his middle child, he opened up his own business as a brick layer. He owned his business for several years creating lifelong friendships and becoming known as a very generous employer. Upon resolution of his first marriage, he went on to marry Linda Miller. Upon resolution of his second marriage he found his true love in his beloved Polly Thornsbury Workman. Polly and Jim returned to Southern Ohio, where he found his purpose in life in loving her children and grandchildren - especially Oliva, Jaden and Kylie. He remained in Southern Ohio until the passing of Polly in 2012. After Polly's passing he returned to Columbus, Ohio and enjoyed renewing his relationship with his sister, Ethelene and her family. While in Columbus he continued his ministry of giving, while providing generously support for his local church's food bank. His most prized possession, next to Olivia, who always referred to him as her "PawPaw" - was his Vietnam Veteran hat, given to him by his brother Paul – who purchased it at a garage sale. He loved sharing the story of that hat and the story about his dentures actually being his brother Rush's teeth. He was never found outside the house without his Vietnam Veteran hat on and he loved the recognition, honor and respect he received for it. He peacefully went on to meet the Lord, on August 19th, 2014 in Columbus, Ohio, while his sister, Ethelene held his hand. He is preceded in death by 15 siblings and his beloved 3rd wife Polly Thornsbury Workman. He is survived by 8 siblings, children - Judy Workman, Jeannette Workman and Janice Workman, children by marriage: Michael Thornsbury, Beverly Varney and Evellyn Thornsbury. Grandchildren: Jane Workman, Shane Boland, Kelvy Varney, Cainnan Varney, Gavin Thornsbury and greatly beloved grandchildren Kylie Rieder, Jaden Tippie and Olivia Thornsbury. He is a kind and generous man, who is remembered as someone whose actions always promoted the furtherance of the gospel of Jesus Christ.