James W. "Jim" Abbott

James W. “Jim” Abbott, age 80, of Sidney, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 4:30 AM at home.

He was born February 9, 1944 in Sidney, the son of Carl and Grace (Davidson) Abbott.

Jim is survived by his loving family, children Scott (Jill) Abbott, Amy (Fabian) Lucas, Bret (Amy) Abbott, Jack (Jackie) Green, Beth Abbott, Adam Abbott and Lamar Abbott; grandchildren Tiffany, Lindsey, Tyler, Christopher, Elijah, Artez, London, Killian, Ronald, Eric, Nicole, Isaac, Vincent, and Marcus; great-grandchildren Jos’siah, Niayana, and Zion and many more; and siblings Don (Kathy) Abbott, Doris Tyler, Nick (Pam) Abbott and Phil Abbott.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife Doris, children Robbie and Katie Abbott, his parents, and brothers Tom and Dave Abbott.

Mr. Abbott was a graduate of Sidney High School and Miami University, where he earned both bachelor's and master's degrees in education.

He retired in 1998 after over 35 years as an educator in the Sidney, Fairlawn, and Indian Lake school districts. His roles included teacher, guidance counselor, superintendent, and many others. He later left retirement for seven years, to work with children with special needs in the Sidney school district. Jim and Doris were 2006 inductees into the Sidney High School Hall of Honor.

Mr. Abbott was a member of Sidney First Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday school, led mission trips, and served as Sunday School Director. He also participated regularly at Joy Church and the Alpha Community Center.

Jim and Doris were foster parents to over 90 children across 30 years, and Foster Parents of the Year three times.

Jim loved doing yard work, took lots of walks pushing his children in wheelchairs, and spent time outdoors and camping with his children. He loved Prairie Home Companion and cooking dinner over a campfire. He was always the first to help behind the scenes for people in need.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 12:00 PM (Noon) at Sidney First Methodist Church, 230 Poplar St. Sidney, Ohio 45365. Burial to follow at Shelby Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends on Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Community of Hope or Alpha Community Center. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cromesfh.com