Obituaries

James Eugene Mann, M.D., 90, of Rossford, Ohio, passed away peacefully in the presence of his loving family on August 14, 2023. James was born on April 13, 1933, in Toledo to his late parents, Hugh Alexander and Dorothy (Gould) Mann where he grew up in the Old West End. He attended Scott High School where he graduated in 1951. He furthered his education at the University of Michigan, majoring in biology and graduating with his Bachelor's degree in 1955. His post-graduate studies began at the University of Chicago for 1 year of biology before entering the Medical College at The Ohio State University, later graduating in 1960 with a Masters of Doctor/Science.

Following graduation at OSU, James interned for 1 year at Mercy Hospital in Toledo. Immediately following the internship, he was commissioned as a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corp with the 425th Civil Affairs Group of the U.S. Special Forces. These civil affairs groups consisted of various physicians, dentists, veterinarians, sanitary engineers, and other specialists in the area of public health. They were a priority of the Kennedy administration in the earliest days of our country’s involvement in Vietnam. The purpose was to improve the public health of an area to which the group was assigned before combat began. There were numerous adventurous events in the isolated areas to which they were assigned. Following his discharge from the military, he returned to Toledo and began practice in Holland, Ohio, in October of 1964. This was a time when family physicians, or general practitioners as they were then named, had privileges to perform procedures they no longer perform. In the first years of his practice, he delivered about 300 babies. He also performed a variety of minor surgeries. He made numerous house calls and never refused to make home visits for patients who were no longer able to come to the office.

James, also known by many as “Poppy”, thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors and was able to see the beauty in all of nature. He was a renaissance man; his taste was impeccable in all things. He knew art and music and enjoyed good food and wine. He was a gifted gardener and enjoyed traveling extensively throughout the world. But most importantly, he was always quick to share his passion and knowledge with friends and family. He will be missed dearly, but always remembered.

James is survived by his children, Terry Lynn Golden (Mark Kobeck), Shirley Golden, Debi Schultz (Jason Wittenmyer); grandchildren, Sheila (Jamie) Chasse, Kerry Wertz, Jr., Alexis Schultz, Jennifer Golden; five great grandchildren; and daughter in law, Teresa Golden. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Mann; son, Rickie Golden; granddaughter, Kristen Ann Marie Schultz; two grandsons, the Golden twins; and both of his parents.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home and all services will be handled privately amongst the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Make a Wish Foundation, an organization that was dear to James. Condolences can be sent to the family directly at walkerfuneralhomes.com.