James M. Deneke
James Michael Deneke of Greer, South Carolina and formerly of Shreve and Wooster, Ohio, passed away on March, 30, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family after a valiant eight year fight with pulmonary fibrosis.
Jim was born in Orrville, Ohio on November 17, 1942 to Robert W. and Vita E. Hartzler Deneke. On Sept. 25, 1965 he married Judith Henning Deneke in Wooster, Ohio and she survives.
He was a graduate of Smithville High School, Smithville, Ohio with the Class of 1960. He also attended the Wooster Business College. Jim was a proud Army Veteran having served in the U.S. Army 1st Armored Division at Ft. Hood, Texas. He was on one of the ships that would have invaded Cuba if necessary during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Jim started his career in the box business in 1964 having worked at Buckeye Corrugated for 25 years where he was Corporate Services Manager. He then was General Manager of Corrugated Container, Associated Packaging and 3-D Packaging for a total of 43 years in the corrugated box industry.
Jim was a furious fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball player for over 25 years. He was known for being a switch hitter and being able to hit to any field and a master of hitting foul balls and placing balls where they were uncatchable. He played for Sterling Fast Pitch, Marshallville Packaging, Augsburg Lutheran Church, Zion Lutheran Church and Buckeye Container all in Ohio.
Jim was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Greer, South Carolina.
Jim was a humorous, friendly, and helpful person to anyone who asked for his help and he never met a stranger. He loved to travel having been to 48 states and 16 foreign countries with Switzerland being his favorite country. Above all Jim loved his family and was always there for them.
Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years, Judith, his daughters Rebecca Deneke, husband Floyd Pierce of Alvarado, Texas, Deborah Deneke of Asheboro, North Carolina, and Jenny (Kane) Maynard of Greer, South Carolina. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Kelsey and Kaitlyn Maynard of Greer, South Carolina, Dylan Maynard of Greer, South Carolina, and Ryan Pierce and Meghan Pierce of Alvarado, Texas and he was a proud great-unkey grandpa to Piper Marie Deneke of Greer, South Carolina and two special nieces Chelsea (Asa) Kinnunan and Mary Beth Deneke also of Greer, South Carolina. Three sisters also survive and they are Patricia Frary and Bea Deneke of Greer, South Carolina and Sue (Philip) Horst of Granville, Ohio.
He was predeceased by his parents and his younger brother, Rob Deneke.
Funeral services were held 4 p.m. Saturday at The Wood Mortuary, conducted by Rev. Jeff Reece.
Visitation were held 2:30-3:45 p.m. Saturday at The Wood Mortuary.
The family is at the home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Special Olympics, 1133 19TH Street NW, 12TH Floor, Washington, D.C. 20036-3604.
Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com
