James R. Hand

A memorial service celebrating the life of James R. Hand, 66, of Zanesville, will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, July 21, 2014 at Centenary United Methodist Church, 102 E. Broadway, Granville with Rev. Stephen J. Cramer and Rev. Steve Rath as co-celebrants. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in Shepherd Hall at the church. A private graveside service will be held at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Jim died unexpectedly, Thursday, July 17, 2014 at Grant Medical Center in Columbus. He was born August 28, 1947 in Newark, Ohio to the late John "Jack" and Evva (Page) Hand.

A true Buckeye fan, Jim did his undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University where he also graduated cum laude in the College of Law in 1972. He attended West Point and was a Captain in the U.S. Army, serving in the Headquarters Company Legal Section, Fort Benning, Georgia. Mr. Hand practiced law for 42 years.

Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, coach, and caring friend to all. He was an avid sports fan who enjoyed basketball, baseball, football, and playing golf. This year, on Father's Day, Jim was delighted with his 170-yard hole-in-one.

Surviving are his wife of 44 years, Susan (Pheneger) Hand; children and their spouses, Jason and Susan Hand, Robb and Nina Hand, and Jessica and Steve Watters; five grandchildren; three great grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law, Jayne and Richard Johnston; and nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his older brother William Hand.

Arrangements are in the care of McPeek-Hoekstra Funeral Home in Granville. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mcpeekhoekstra.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Licking County Animal Shelter, 544 Dog Leg Rd., Heath, OH 43056 or to the Animal Shelter Society, 1430 Newark Rd., Zanesville, OH 43701.