James “Jim” Gandee built a remarkable career that spanned law enforcement and corporate leadership while making lasting impacts in youth sports and his community.
Highlights
- James Gandee demonstrated remarkable dedication throughout his life – from playing baseball through a fractured arm as a teenager to his years of service in law enforcement and his commitment to coaching youth sports.
- Family was the cornerstone of James’s life, as evidenced by his devotion to his wife, six children, sixteen grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, as well as the creation of “Camp Six Pack” as a family gathering place.
- James left a lasting legacy in his community through multiple avenues: his work in law enforcement, his impact as a baseball coach who took his team to state championships, and his family’s request for donations to St. Jude’s in his memory instead of flowers.
Born on October 2, 1945, in Ripley, West Virginia, to Basil and Minnie Gandee, Jim established himself as a dedicated public servant early in his career.
He began his professional journey as a deputy sheriff in Jackson County, West Virginia, before transitioning to serve as a police officer in Madison, Ohio.
His commitment to service and leadership eventually led him to Parker Hannifin Corporation, where he worked as a supervisor for many years.
Athletics played a central role in Gandee’s life story. His passion for baseball emerged during his youth, marked by extraordinary dedication.
In one notable instance, he demonstrated his determination by continuing to play through a season despite a fractured arm, keeping the injury hidden from both his coach and family.
This fierce commitment to the sport carried into his adult years, but it was in coaching where he found his true calling.
Gandee’s impact on youth sports proved transformative for his community.
As head coach of the Braves, he devoted considerable time to mentoring young athletes.
His coaching prowess reached a pinnacle in 1976 when he led his team to the state championship.
While every season brought its rewards, Gandee considered coaching his grandson Chad his most cherished coaching experience.
Beyond his professional and athletic achievements, Gandee was an enthusiastic outdoorsman.
He created a special retreat in Tionesta, Pennsylvania – a hunting cabin he cleverly named “Camp Six Pack” as a tribute to his six children.
This space became a cherished gathering place for family and friends, reflecting his dedication to fostering strong family bonds.
James Gandee’s Passing at 79 Leaves a Lasting Impact on Loved Ones
James Gandee passed away peacefully in his home in Madison, Ohio, on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the age of 79.
He leaves behind a legacy of devotion to family, including his loving wife Gelorma Gandee and their six children: Paul, Cynthia, Joseph, Kimberly, Shelly, and Mary.
His family extends to fifteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, each representing a branch of the robust family tree he helped nurture.
Gandee’s passing prompted an outpouring of community support, including recognition from his alma mater.
The Ripley High School Alumni Association, where he graduated in 1963, paid tribute to his memory through a heartfelt social media announcement.
His impact on the community will be celebrated in a memorial service to be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, reflecting Gandee’s lifelong commitment to supporting youth.
Behm Funeral Home in Madison, Ohio, handles the funeral arrangements.
As the community mourns his loss, James Gandee’s memory lives on through the many lives he touched as an officer, coach, supervisor, husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Additional Information
- James Gandee was a 1963 graduate of Ripley High School, showing his deep roots in the West Virginia community before his move to Ohio.
- Despite being an avid athlete who loved multiple sports in his youth, baseball stood out as his absolute favorite and became his lifelong passion.
- The name of his hunting cabin, “Camp Six Pack,” was specifically chosen as a clever wordplay that celebrated having six children, showing his sense of humor about his large family.
