James River

Dr. James D. “Jim” River, 75, of Circleville, died May 21, 2018.  He was born January 13, 1943 in Columbus, Ohio to James Ernest River and Helen Jean Crowe River and raised in Chillicothe Ohio.

Jim is survived by his four children, Kimberly (Robert) Fausnaugh of Circleville, Laura (Jeff) Dornsife of New Albany, James D. River II of Circleville, and Kelly (Steve Kwasny) Thompson of Scottsdale, Arizona; grandchildren Zachary Tarbill, Macy, Olivia and Madalyn Fausnaugh, Alexa and Emily Dornsife; sister Joanna (Richard Oestreich, PhD) River of Chillicothe; sister-in-law Krista Roush River of Chillicothe; nephews Alex (Jessica) River-Bethel, Steven, Kathryn and Jonathon River, and Alyson (Peter) Ziskowski. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Bill, Fred, and Chuck; and nephew Jeffrey River.

He graduated from the Ohio State University in 1965 with a BA in Anatomy and in1967 with a BS in Zoology. After earning his DDS from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1971, he started his dental practice in Circleville, where he practiced throughout his life. He will always be remembered by his “girls at the office,” aka his extended family, Janet (Chris) Schein and Cindy (John) Kinney.

Faithfully involved in Trinity Lutheran Church, Circleville, he acted as assisting minister, council president and most importantly, weekly Children’s Sermon leader. He was currently State Historian and current Secretary of the Camp Charlotte Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. He was active in the community in Rotary for 40 years, an avid supporter of Pickaway County 4-H and Pickaway County Schools, and active member of the American Dental and Ohio Dental Associations. He was dedicated to the Circleville Pumpkin Show for over 30 years, serving as Trustee and Parade Director since 1988. He was a proud Golden Eagle member of the NRA. He enjoyed time with his children and grandchildren and cherished every day. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

A memorial service will be held Friday, May 25, 2018 at 4:00pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, 135 E. Mound St., Circleville.  Friends may call from 1:00 PM-4:00 pm prior to the service at the church.  Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Circleville.

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