James Julian Slight

James “Jim” Julian Slight, 90, of Hicksville, Ohio passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, July 12, 2025 with his family by his side. 

He was born on June 2, 1935 in his grandfather's farmhouse in Malinta, Ohio. His late parents were Jerome Slight Jr. and Mildred (Owen) Slight of Napoleon, Ohio. 

Weighing a whopping 13 pounds, his parents named him after the two doctors who delivered him: James Pfizer and Julian Morris.At the age of 13, he and his father raised a black bear as a pet naming her Judy. On her hind legs, Judy grew to be as tall as he was. They donated her to an animal sanctuary, but Jim never forgot sweet Judy and spoke of her many times.In 1952 at the age of 17, he joined the Marines with his dad’s signature and served in the Korean War where he was honorably discharged. He was a member of the Hicksville Eagles and Antwerp American Legion. He married Donna Jean (Colgan) Slight in 1956 and their love produced 4 children. After her death in 1986, he married Roberta Ann (Bergman) Slight who also proceeded him in death in 2023. He often said he was a lucky man as he had been blessed with two wonderful wives. He spent much of his career as a mechanic at BF Goodrich from 1964-1994. Upon retirement, he spent many enjoyable years doing woodworking and gardening in his leisure time. As an avid gardener with a green thumb, he grew all sorts of perennials and trees. He also enjoyed driving the Hicksville Senior Center bus for many years and often said those were some of the most fun filled years of his life. He loved writing silly poetry while drinking his morning coffee at the kitchen table, and then sharing his poetry with others. He wrote hundreds of poems over the past 35 years. He never knew a stranger wherever he went. His family often calling him the mayor as he knew everyone in town.

He is survived by 3 of his children: Mark Slight of Hicksville, OH, Pam (Jim) Helms of Hicksville, OH and Scott Slight of Payne, OH. His stepchildren Debra Keller, Dawn Yaichner and Edward Garman all of Hicksville, OH, Tonya (Billy) Woods of Surprise, AZ and son-in-law Jim Yaichner. 2 Grandchildren, 12 Step Grandchildren, 2 Great Grandchildren, 25 Step Great Grandchildren and 1 Step Great-Great Grandchild. Nephew Jerry (Lisa) Milner Jr. of Florida, nephew James Milner and niece Linda (Donna) Milner, both of Fort Wayne, IN. Last, but certainly not least: his three kitties: Barney, Smokey and Missy.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Donna Jean, son Tim Slight, second wife Roberta Ann, his parents Jerome and Mildred, sister Fran Milner, nieces Susie Milner and Mary Milner Tarr. He loved animals so very much and donated to many charities around the country.

Viewing is Thursday, July 17th, 4 PM to 7 PM at Dooley Funeral Home, 202 W. River Street, Antwerp, Ohio.

Jim's funeral service is Friday, July 18th, 10:30 AM, with viewing one hour prior at Dooley Funeral Home.

He will be laid to rest in Maumee Cemetery, Antwerp, with military honors.

 In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Defiance County Humane Society or BestFriends.org