Mansfield: James Joseph “Jim” Ensminger, 85, of Mansfield, died peacefully in the comfort of his home with his wife by his side Tuesday, December 23, 2025.

The eldest son of Joseph Pratley and Julia Loretta (Blevins) Ensminger, James was born August 31, 1940 in Hemphill, WV. He is preceded in death by his first wife, parents and grandparents, in-laws, and several beloved aunts and uncles.

James married Karen Ellen (Copp) in 1968. Together, they had two children who survived Joseph G. “Jody” (Jo) Ensminger of WV, and Wendi L. Fuller of TN. James is also survived by siblings Clarence “Chub” (Donna) Ensminger, and Judy Lynne (John) Kemp all in Hixson, TN. Sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Ron Laudick of Coshocton, Diane Sammet of Carey, Marie Laudick of Longmount, CO, John (LeAnne) Laudick of Upper Sandusky.

Jim remarried in 1993 to Jane Marie (Laudick) Conley of Upper Sandusky. The union of her family added four children, Christine Marie Conley of KS, Richard W. III, (Susan) Conley, of Pataskala, Shawn Marie Conley (fiance Dean Kastran) of Mansfield, Keith W. (Courtney) Conley of Granville. Jim and Jane were quite proud and enjoyed their thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. They also enjoyed going to their great niece’s dance recitals, softball games, and great nephews ball games. Loving all their nieces and nephews near and far. Jim had a deep love for each one of them. Jim would often stop in WV at his cousin’s games and their children’s games or stop by their school so he could draw a tattoo on their arm. Jim was definitely LOVED by his family, church, friends, and co-workers. Jim had a way with children as well as strangers, and left an indelible mark on every heart he ever knew.

Jim graduated from Tazewell H.S. in 1959. He played all sports; football, basketball, and baseball, lettering in all three. Later in life, he became an avid golfer, winning the club championship at Pine Lake on his 60th birthday. He amassed nine holes in one by sixty, to quote Jim “now if that doesn’t put a smile on your face, I don’t know what will!”

Jim joined the Marines 1962. He spent one year in the Vietnam War between 1965-1966. He flew as a gunner in Helicopter Squadron HMM261 flying thirty-five combat missions earning his combat air crew wings. He retired from the Marines in 1966 as an E-5 Sergeant.

James worked for National Crane out of Nebraska as a district manager and also for JLG Cranes and American Crane Inc. in Columbus. In 1997 he became a licensed, worldwide, broker selling cranes and heavy equipment as president of his company, Ensminger Cranes and Equipment, until his passing.

Jim was known for his dapper appearance and paid particular attention to his shoes and his “smell goods.” His latest cologne was Tom Ford Noir Extreme used with Rasasi Hawas Ice.

Jim accepted the Lord when he was eight years old, however, he would attest to simply living his life and not giving God much attention. His relationship with God was more circumstantial and one-sided like when he was in Vietnam carrying his New Testament Bible praying for safe return home, or when his first wife Karen faced cancer and needed the Lord’s healing power. It was later in life when he came to truly love the Lord. In February of 1993 he met Jane Conley and started attending church with her and her family at Abundant Life Assembly of God in Marion. There, the Lord got a hold of him! He gave his life to Jesus,and was baptized, and later the couple was married in that same church over 32 years ago. From there on, Jim was a new man of God, called to serve. From ushering, working security, parking cars, and providing support for the pastor and his family Jim always made himself available. He was a servant to his family and friends as well sitting for hours on end waiting in prayer for loved ones to come through surgery, driving to doctor appointments, and giving to strangers in need. Jim often blessed others with rides, gas, cash, and even new kitchen appliances when they were needed, never expecting anything in return. The stories of his generosity and selflessness are too numerous to share.

2 Corinthians 9:7 “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.” Honor Jim’s legacy of generosity by blessing others around you.

Friends may call Sunday, January 4, 2026 from 1-5 pm in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home, where the funeral service will be held Monday at 10:30 am. Burial will follow in Lexington Cemetery.

Memorial donations in honor of James may be made to Love Our Hero’s Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans.

Please visit Snyderfuneralhomes.com to leave a message of support for the family.

Funeral Home: Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home

Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com