James D. Hempfling, 79, of Elyria passed away Tuesday June 2, 2020 at the Ames Family Hospice House in Westlake following an extended illness. He was born May 11, 1941 (Mother's Day!) in Zanesville and was an Elyria resident since 1965, coming from Zanesville. Jim retired from the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram where he worked as a copy editor for many years, Following his retirement, he began a second career as a Building Inspector for Olmsted Falls. He was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Grafton, and the Elyria Knights of Columbus Council 774, was a Volkswagon enthusiast/guru and enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling and playing golf. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Mary (nee-Neal); daughter, Melissa (Vaughn); sons, Peter (Tina) and Timothy (Nancy); grandchildren, Tyler, Kiersten (Erik), Hannah, Jacob, Addison, Seth and Benjamin; great-grandchildren, Lucy and Daisy and was a uncle to many. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Ann Fox, Sally Boetcher and Nancy Gialdini and a brother, William. Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday June 19, 2020 at St. Mary Cemetery, Grafton. The Rev. John P. Seabold, Pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church will Officiate. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be may be made to Our Lady Queen of Peace Church 708 Erie St., Grafton. The Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Lorain County Cremation Services 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Elyria assisted the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com

Memorial Contribution