James A. Ditzler, 89 of Wooster, passed away Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Born February 8, 1936 in Lebanon, PA to the late Alvin and Elizabeth (Spath) Ditzler; he was a 1954 graduate of Tamaqua High School where he was co-captain of the basketball team, sang in the Glee Club and starred in the class play.

After high school, Jim graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering and earned his MBA from Rutgers University. While at Penn State Jim met the love of his life, Linda, on a blind date. They were married February 6, 1960 and spent 62 years together before her passing in 2022.

Although he had several other jobs, the one that most defined him was as manager of Pilgrim Hills Camp (United Church of Christ) for 18 years. Jim spent "retirement" serving others, making mission trips to Ghana and Mexico and leading disaster relief efforts in Florida, West Virginia and especially in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

Jim was an avid wood worker. He made special furniture pieces for everyone in his family that will be passed down for generations. He also enjoyed golfing, singing in various community choruses, and rooting for the Nittany Lions. Most importantly he loved traveling the world with the love of his life.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Linda (Poorbaugh) Ditzler. Jim is survived by his children, Sandra (Eugene) Matthews, Melanie (Brian) Welch, Adam (Sheila) Ditzler and David (Molly) Ditzler; 10 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren with another on the way.

A Memorial Service will be held SATURDAY, October 25, 2025, 2:00pm at Trinity United Church of Christ, 150 E. North St., Wooster, OH 44691.