James Walter Medley

James Walter Medley, passed away on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at the age of 79, in Newark, Ohio. He was born on March 6, 1947, in Newark, Ohio, to the late, Leon and Florence (Cochran) Medley.

James graduated from Lakewood High School, Class of 1965. He worked in the Production Control Minuteman Systems area, which began at Newark Air Force Base and continued with Boeing. An honorable and proud veteran, James served in the Navy Seabees, completing two tours in Vietnam, as well as in the Army Reserves. He was a member of Newark Moose Lodge #499 and an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes. Among his greatest joys was making people laugh, a gift he shared freely with everyone around him.

He is survived by his daughters, Laura (Randall) Thompson, Bobbi Taylor, and “niece daughter”, Tonya (Curt) Painter; beloved nieces and nephew, who were like grandchildren, Nathan and Megan Fleeger, and Brandee Hamilton; siblings, Paul “Luke” (Florence) Medley, Edward (Rebecca) Medley, and Nancy Berger; brother-in-law, Don Cole; as well as several nieces and nephews, including, Jennie Medley, Kim Medley, and great-nephew, Caleb Medley. He also leaves behind a large circle of friends who he loved dearly.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Willadene Jane Medley, daughter, Rebecca Henderson, his brother, Roger Medley and his sisters, Mavis Cullison, Shirley Medley, and Charlotte Walker; nephew, Chad Medley, and his cats, Tommy and Patches.

The family requests donations in James's memory to be made to a veteran group or a charity of your choice.

Family and friends are welcome to gather at the Kirkersville chapel of Hoskinson Funeral & Cremation Service, 285 E. Main Street, Kirkersville, Ohio, on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome to remain for the funeral service, which will begin at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Violet Cemetery in Pickerington, Ohio, with military honors.

Following the services, the family will gather at the home of Tonya and Curt Painter. All are welcome to join.

Hoskinson Funeral & Cremation Service is honored to care for James and his family.