James “Jim” L. Renck, age 77, of West Harrison, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Edgewood, Kentucky. He was born the son of John Omer and Donna (Hart) Renck, on May 22, 1947, in Hamilton, Ohio.
A 1965 graduate of North Dearborn High School, Jim proudly served the United States Army during the Vietnam era alongside his K9, Prince. After his military service, he married Donna M. Grubbs on December 12, 1970, at Bright United Methodist Church, in Bright, Indiana. He was employed with Ohio Operating Engineers Local #18 working as a heavy equipment operator.
Jim was a member of the Southeastern Indiana Veterans of America Lary D. Fogle Chapter 71, St. Leon Legion Post 464, the Harrison VFW Post 7570, Dearborn Hills Church, the North Dearborn Alumni Association, and the Franklin County Antique Machinery Club. Jim also enjoyed spending time with the model train guys.
He is survived by his loving wife of over 54 years, Donna M. Renck, his son, Travis (Amy) Renck, and his daughter, Angie (Boonie) Neff. He was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren, Zach (Lauren), Aleyah, Hailey, Wyatt, Kylee, and Danica, and six great-grandchildren, Owen, Waylon, Mal, Macie, Colt, and Addie. Jim is also survived by his brother, John Clark (Judy) Renck. He will be missed by his grand-dogs, Ruger, Fred, and Copper.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John Omer and Donna Renck, sister, Becky Helcher, nephews Nathan and Kyle Helcher, and brother-in-law, Dan Helcher.
A visitation will be held for Jim on Friday, May 23, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Dearborn Hills Church, 25365 State Line Road, Bright, Indiana 47025. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with Pastor David Ballinger and Pastor Bob Cannon officiating, at Dearborn Hills Church, 25365 State Line Road, Bright, Indiana 47025. Burial will follow with military honors by the Southeastern Indiana Vietnam Veterans of America Honor Guard at Gibson Cemetery in Bright, Indiana.
Memorials may be made in Jim’s memory to St. Leon Legion Post 464, Southeastern Indiana Veterans of America Lary D. Fogle Chapter 71, and/or Dearborn Hills Church in care of Jackman Hensley Funeral Home, 215 East Broadway Street, Harrison, Ohio 45030.