Harold Jerman

Harold William Jerman, born July 3, 1928, 86 years old, lifelong resident of Brown Township and Hilliard, Ohio, passed away October 27, 2014. 1946 Graduate of Hilliard High School, active in the surrounding farming community for his entire life and lived in the same home for 86 years in Brown Township. Survived by wife of 65 years, Ellamay (Ellie) and son, David, 62, of Perrysburg, Ohio, and many, many dear friends and pets. Life-long farmer and business owner. Started full time farming responsibilities in 1943-44 when his father, William Jerman, became sick and died. He, along with his mother, Lola (Spangler) Jerman continued to operate the family grain and livestock (primarily hogs) farm while Harold completed high school and worked various jobs including Honeybee tending (of which he was very fond), and warehousing jobs. In 1958, Harold went into full time farming and became self-employed. As part of Harold’s self-employment, he went into the seed and fertilizer business in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s as a custom applicator/operator and a retail supply for area farmers. Increased farming business to approximately 1,000 acres during the 1960’s and increased his fertilizer business activities under the name of: Harold Jerman Fertilizer. In addition to the aforementioned business, Harold also provided custom farming services (harvesting, baling, planting, ground working, etc.) for the general area. From 1972 to the early 1980’s, Harold farmed a tract of land in the south-eastern area of South Dakota and made many new and loved friends over his years in what he considered to be one of the most fertile, prolific, and beautiful areas of the United States. His love and respect for the state and its residents started while taking a family vacation to the Black Hills/Badlands area of South Dakota in 1963. In April of 1978, Harold and Don Williams joined together to form J & W Chemlizer, Inc., a custom application and seed and fertilizer business. Their efforts grew to include lawn and turf work in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s due to housing development and a diminishing amount of agriculture activity in the area. They continued to offer new and used machinery sales and repair, and built a number of barns and outbuildings in central Ohio. Harold remained Chairman and President of J & W Chemlizer until his death, was involved with the day to day operations of the company until 2010, and worked with other officers, Don Williams-Vice President and Treasurer, and Jim Rownd and John Haney-Secretary. J & W Chemlizer remains an active and innovative agricultural and retail source in central Ohio. Harold served on the Brown Township Comprehensive Plan Committees and the “Water Beyond 2000” Committee to consider its impact on the residents of Brown Township. In 1996-1998, Harold led a road and housing development area of the Jerman family farm south of Morris Road in rural Hilliard. Harold and Ellie enjoyed getting to know their neighbors on the newly created Jerman Lane. Much of property along Morris Road has been developed with many houses and new neighbors over the years. Harold and Ellie particularly enjoyed two long standing traditions enjoyed by those who live on the road: The annual Morris Road Pig Roast and the annual Morris Road Trick or Treat. Over the years, they grew to love, enjoy, and respect many of their neighbors through the two annual gatherings and many one on one visits throughout the year. Harold was an “out-of-the-box” and innovative thinker who was always ready to learn, try and develop something new. He was an avid reader of many farm periodicals and looked forward to the daily delivery of the Wall Street Journal so he could keep up with the markets and world news. The family wishes to thank Don Williams, Glenn Elfrink, Torri Warner, Mary Brady, and Brooke Tolliver for their love and care of Harold over the past months and many years. The family would also like to thank the many neighbors and friends who have supported and loved Harold. And finally, the family would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Matthew Cook, Dr. Carly Robbins, members of the Gem City Home Care staff, and the entire staff at Mt. Carmel West Hospital for all they have done to help Harold over the last several months and many years. Visitation and Memorial Service that will be held on Friday, October 31, 2014 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a Memorial Service at 6:30 pm at the TIDD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME WITH CREMATORY, 5265, Norwich St., Hilliard, OH 43026. The Memorial Service will be conducted by Martin E. Billmeier, Pastor, St. Lucas Lutheran Church, 745 Walbridge Ave., Toledo, Ohio 43609. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of the giver’s choice or to the Capital Area Humane Society, 3015 Scioto Darby Executive Court, Hilliard, Ohio 43026.