James Kenneth Bargeloh, 85, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday morning, January 4, 2025. Jim, as he was affectionately known, was born on December 7, 1939, in Parkersburg, WV and was the youngest child of Charles and Lena (Shephard) Bargeloh.
Jim grew up in South Parkersburg and attended Parkersburg High School. During his teenage years, he helped with the family business, the Bargeloh Dairy Processing Plant, often delivering milk prior to heading to school. Jim excelled as a football player subsequently winning the prestigious Kennedy Award as the most outstanding football player in West Virginia (1956). He was inducted into the Parkersburg High School Hall of Fame (2005/2011) and the Mid-Ohio Valley Sports Hall of Fame (2005). While attending West Virginia University (WVU), Jim contributed to the team as running back and continued to be a steadfast fan and supporter of the West Virginia Mountaineers always donning WVU attire. No matter where Jim was, if he spotted a WVU hat or shirt, he would make a beeline to greet his fellow Mountaineer.
Throughout his years, he served in the National Guard, belonged to the Jaycees (JCI Senator), served as Sunday School president, and enjoyed boating, home improvement projects, woodworking, and square dancing. Jim retired from DuPont Washington Works in 1997 when he then moved to Newburgh, Indiana, to spend time with his two boys and their children.
The only thing Jim loved more than WVU football was his family and friends. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand and will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandpa. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Parkersburg and transferred his membership to Newburgh United Methodist Church after moving to Indiana.
Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Mary (Swisher) Bargeloh; two sons, Charles (Chuck) and his wife, Kelly of Knoxville, TN and Jason and his wife, Marlisa of Newburgh, IN. Jim will be fondly remembered by his seven grandchildren, Kayla (Connor), Chad, Grant (Taylor), Renee, Ava, Nathan, and Tyler, and four great-grandchildren Wesley, Jovie, Margo, and Frederick.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother (William), and sister (Beatrice).
A memorial service will be held at Newburgh United Methodist Church (4178 State Rd 261) in Newburgh, IN on Saturday, January 11 with visitation from 10:30-11:30 a.m. and Celebration of Life service at 11:30 a.m. All are welcome to come and share a story, as desired.
Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. A special thank you to the AsercaCare team for the caring support they provided for Jim over the past several months. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Newburgh United Methodist Church in Jim’s honor.
Frank and Yvonne Pund says
Mary, Chuck and family, you have our sympathy at this stressful time of loss.
Cindy (Vic Laughery) says
Mary & Family….our hearts are there with u for this great loss. Uncle Jim was one of the good ones that we were blessed with.
We love u all & would be there for support if weather permitted.
Prayers of comfort for u all 🙏❤️
Larry Gibson says
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing.Jim was a classmate at.Parkersburg High School. Condolences to the family.
Hema & Kevin Vyas says
Mary and family,
Our deepest condolences on your loss. I will cherish our short walks with Jim. Please let us know if we can help in any way. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Lori Taylor says
Mary, I am so sorry! Jim was a wonderful man. I used to enjoy talking to him when I worked at the preschool and looked forward to seeing what lifesavers he had in his pocket! He will be missed!
Larry Clark says
Chuck & Jason, our condolences for your loss. We will keep your dad and all the family in our prayers. Larry & Isabel Clark
John &Penny Sutton says
So sorry for your loss. He was such a sweet man( candy man❣️)💜prayers for all of you .
John & Penny
Mary Brissey says
So sorry for your loss.
I fondly think of both of you when we were young parents and you both would visit with Neal and Barbara.
God’s blessing on you and all of your family.
Wayne A Owens says
My thoughts of good times with Jim in our High School years remains ever cherished.
Rest in Peace ols friend!!