09/05/2026

Obituary for James “Jim” Sheridan

Funeral Director and Partner, Dwayne R. Spence Funeral Home

James “Jim” Sheridan, age 77, passed away on Thursday, September 3, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 1, 1949, in Lancaster, Ohio, to the late Philip and Margaret (Linehan) Sheridan.

Jim graduated from Bishop Fenwick Catholic High School in 1967 and went on to earn his degree from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. A third-generation funeral director, Jim grew up in his family’s business, Sheridan Funeral Home in Lancaster. In 1983, he joined the Dwayne R. Spence Funeral Home and partnered with Dwayne in its continued growth and success. He dedicated more than 50 years of his life serving families throughout his communities.

Throughout his distinguished career, Jim was deeply committed to the funeral profession. He was a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner and a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, Ohio Funeral Directors Association, and Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. He served in numerous leadership roles with the Ohio Funeral Directors Association, including on its board of directors and legislative and disaster response committees, and as president of the Southeastern Ohio District #13.

Outside of his career, Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He met his wife, Ann, in elementary school and knew even then that she was the girl he would marry. Together, they shared 57 beautiful years of marriage and built a life centered around their family.

Jim’s grandchildren were a tremendous source of pride and joy. He cherished every visit, every ballgame, and every opportunity to be a part of their lives. Jim loved to stay active. Whether he was tending to the yard, running errands, working with the Pine Hill maintenance crew, hiking, sightseeing, soaking up everything the beach had to offer, or planning his next delicious meal, he was always on the move. While it could be difficult to get him to sit still for long, he always made time to pause and watch the rain from one of his favorite places, his garage.

He was a longtime member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council #1187, Pickerington Moose, and the Pickerington Chamber of Commerce, and was a past president of the Pickerington Lions Club.

Jim will be deeply missed by his wife, Ann Sheridan; children, Trent (Stefanie) Sheridan, Carrie (Mark) Dauer, and Clair (Nick) Wagner; grandchildren, Grant (Sophie Borrego) Sheridan, Sofia Sheridan, Jack Dauer, Clair Dauer, Eloise Wagner, and Penelope Wagner; siblings, Maggie Kemmerer, P.J. (Cheryl) Sheridan, Bill (Bonnie) Sheridan, Carol (Duane) McChesney, and Mike (Linda) Sheridan, brothers-in-law Bob (Susie) Roush and Jimmy (Colleen) Roush; and many extended family members, friends, colleagues, and families he had the privilege of serving throughout his career.

Jim leaves behind a lasting legacy through the funeral profession to which he dedicated his life, the families he served, the colleagues and friends he cherished, and most importantly, his family he loved so deeply. His presence, work ethic, kindness, and devotion to those around him will not soon be forgotten. Family and friends may visit 3-8:00pm on Friday, September 11, at the DWAYNE R. SPENCE FUNERAL HOME, 550 Hill Rd. N. Pickerington, OH 43147 with a vigil service beginning at 7:30pm. A funeral mass will begin at 10:00am on Saturday, September 12, at St. Elizabeth Seton Ann Parish, 600 Hill Rd N. Pickerington, OH 43147. Burial will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Lancaster, OH. Online condolences may be found at www.spencefuneralhome.com.