Dewey “Jim” Bales died peacefully at University Hospital on 1/14/20 in West Chester, Ohio at the age of 74. Jim is survived by his wife, Susan Bales; children, Patrick Bales (Kelli) of Batavia, Ohio and Christopher Bales (Paula) of Harrison, Ohio; sister, Sharon Lister of San Antonio, Texas. Jim also deeply cared for his family which included 3 grandchildren Kierstin Sams (Noah), Jacob Bales (Lauren), Noah Bales, mother-in-law, Joyce Barnaclo; 6 brother-in-laws, 6 sister-in-laws, 17 nieces and nephews, 23 great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother Esther Cullen of Springfield, Illinois; his brother John Bales of Roseburg; Oregon. His father-in-law Arthur Barnaclo of Fairfield, Ohio; and his nephew Timothy Lerch of Okeana, Ohio. Jim was born on July 29th, 1945 in Springfield, Illinois. He joined the US Navy in 1963. He married Susan Barnaclo, the love of his life in 1972 after receiving orders to a post in Cincinnati, Ohio where they met. After retiring from the US Navy he moved from Washington back to Ohio in order to be closer to family. He began working in the private sector and eventually settled in at American Airlines where he retired in 2004. Jim and Susan welcomed two children into their home and Jim set about teaching them about the things that were of great importance to him – God, respect for others, how to stand up for those that are unable to do so themselves, how to care for a mom/wife/grandmother/aunt/cousin, how to be grateful, the importance of sharing & giving…essentially how to be a man (even when nobody is watching). His children remember him as a kind, quirky, witty and full-of-life father who encouraged them to pursue their goals and treat others the way they would want to be treated. Jim truly and deeply cared for his friends and family and often made it known around the holidays especially. He was nicknamed “Mr. Christmas” because of his generosity, his love of the Lord and the joy he received from bringing happiness to others. Jim loved his wife and was all-in when it came to her and his protection of her. He was also an active and dedicated member of the Fairfield Wesleyan Church. A memorial service is scheduled for 11:30 on Saturday 1/18/20 at Fairfield Wesleyan Church – 4685 Anthony Wayne Ave Fairfield, OH 45014 - with a reception to follow. Pastor, Billy Bruns will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jim’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Fairfield Wesleyan Church at the address above