James Kelly Webb was born on May 19, 1946, in Leander, Kentucky to Charles and Opal (Williams) Webb.  His father preceded him in death and his mother survives in Lima, Ohio.  The family moved to Ohio in 1951. 

Jim grew up with four brothers and one sister: Charles “Chuck” (dec.) (Nancy) Webb of Springdale, AR, Steve (Pat) Webb of Lima, Roger (Nita) Webb of Springdale, AR and Gary (dec.) (Barbara) Webb of Ada and Deborah (Butch (dec.) Sanders of Bluffton.

Jim is a 1964 LaFayette Jackson High School graduate.  He enjoyed various school clubs including FFA and choir.  He was best remembered for his excellence in football with his beloved friends and teammates The LaFayette Jackson Wolves.  Many knew him as “Webb the Jet” or “Crazy Legs”.

On Sept. 25, 1965, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Brenda Ferguson, who he met at High Street Free Will Baptist Church.  Little did they know that High Street Free Will Baptist Church would become their lifelong ministry.  Born of their marriage are Gina (Tim) Haller of Lima, Dana (Audrea) Webb of Nashville, TN, Lora Webb of Lima and James Webb, Jr. of Lima. 

Jim is grandpa “Pap” to Zachary (Kaitlyn) Painter, Mitchell (Mariah) Webb, Addison (Ryan) Murphy, Jordan (Tim) Sutton, Samantha Webb, Riley Jamison Bortner, Heather (Chad) Metzger, Eric Haller, Brittany Webb, Josh Webb and Jessica Webb.  He is great grandpa to Kylen, Annslee, Rose and Zachary Painter, Jr., Haiden Williamson, Madison, Katelynn and Tyler Metzger, Trevin and Brycen Haller, Aedan and Avery Murphy, Brendon Ziessler, Joseph, Savannah and Nevaeh Webb.

Jim was employed at Ford Motor Company and retired from Milcor Lima Register in 2005. Jim’s most important decision in life was made in November of 1968 when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and personal Savior. 

On March 5, 1971, he answered God’s call to preach the word of God.  For 46 years, Jim lovingly and faithfully dedicated himself to pastoring the High Street Free Will Baptist Church.  He retired from pastoring on December 31, 2018.  In addition to pastoring he also enjoyed a singing ministry for many years.  He loved witnessing through his music at churches, nursing homes and his many friends and family on facebook.

At 40 years of age, he decided to begin painting as a hobby.  Even though he had never held a paint brush and was color blind, he asked God to help him to see through Gods eyes.  He won several awards for his paintings, including several first place awards at the Allen County Fair and the Ohio State University Art Award for two years.  He always gave God the glory for all of his accomplishments.   He was blessed to have fulfilled his dream of visiting the Holy Land with his brother, Roger in 2016.

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19, at the High Street Free Will Baptist Church, 10890 Reservoir Road, Ada, Ohio 45810 with Pastor Mike Mounts officiating.  Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Ada.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, January 18, at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.                

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the High Street Free Will Baptist Church, 10890 Reservoir Road, Ada, Ohio 45810.