James William “Jim” Pruden, 85 of Kenton passed away on Monday, July 18, 2022 at his residence. He was born in Lancaster, Ohio on May 26, 1937 to the late George and Goldie (Clark) Pruden. Jim is survived by his wife, Sandra (Brubaker Lange) Pruden, daughters: Kathryn (John) Shumate, Karen (John) Seidenschmidt, Kimberly (Robert) Ousley, Kevin (Beverly) Pruden, and step-children; Brad A. Lange, Shawn (Shawn) Lange Moore, Tara R. (Robert) Lange Burlas. He is also survived by grandchildren: John (Karrie) Shumate, Nicole (Erik) Cantu, Brooke (Kyle) Pollock, John Steven Seidenschmidt, Joshua Ousley, Katryna Ousley Kiley Burlas (Robert) Raymond, Bobby Burlas, Olivia Burlas, Kelcy, Alexa, MiKaela, Jenna and Devry Moore, Santana Lange, great grandchildren; Isabelle Shumate, Lily and Kyler Cantu and Decker Pollock. Mr. Pruden is also survived by his sister, Beverly (Fred) Kaiser and his animal friends that he loved dearly, Buster and Patches. Jim graduated from West High School in Columbus where he was a class officer and basketball player. He then graduated from The Ohio State University.
Jim spent most of his working years at Nationwide Insurance as vice president of buying and managing municipal bonds funds.
He was a joyous and humorous person who had a way to weave humor into everything he did. He loved his family and friends with all his heart. Jim cherished Sandy and enjoyed 25 years of a devoted and loving marriage, during which time they created a beautiful, blended extended family and traveled the world.
Jim had a silent generosity that never sought attention, but only to help his fellow neighbor. He could be found cheering on Kenton or OSU, driving his sports car or enjoying a round of golf with his senior golf league buddies.
In the 25 years in Kenton, he truly “bloomed where he was planted”, and made an impact on the community as an avid member. He was active in the Lions Club, Kenton Latham Lodge, where he played pool, The ELKS 157, The Hardin County Shrine Club, The Senior Golf League, Hardin County Ohio State Alumni Association, Kenton Toy Collectors, Toy Collectors of America, and Former Board member of the Hardin County Museum, where he has donated numerous Kenton toys.
Jim was a longtime Trustee of the Heinzerling Foundation. He was a former Trustee of the 1st Methodist Church of Kenton, where he helped install and develop the church’s Memorial Garden. He also enjoyed helping the Sheriff as a V.I.P. Jim was a former board member of the Hardin County Hospice Board, Excellence for Education Board and Past Chairman of the National Muni Bond Buyers of America.
He had a contagious smile, eyes that sparkled with a hint of mischief and a heart full of generosity and kindness that touched everyone around him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A private family service will be held at a later date and burial will be in Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Jim to the Excellence For Education-Sandra Lange Pruden and James Pruden Scholarship or the Hardin County Museum. Arrangements have been entrusted to the SCHINDEWOLF-STOUT-CRATES FUNERAL HOME. Online condolences can be expressed to the family by visiting stoutcrates.com.
112 North Detroit Street Kenton, Ohio 43326