James Sprague Obituary

James "Jim" Edward Sprague, 64, of Sheffield Village, formerly of Elyria, passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2025. James was born on August 5, 1960, in Elyria to loving parents Sidney and Shirley (nee Holt) Sprague.
Jim graduated from Elyria High School, class of 1978, he furthered his education by earning a bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University.
With a bachelor's degree firmly in hand, Jim began his career working for Frank Seringer and Chaney from 1982-1987. In 1987, he joined the firm Tischler, Beard and Wallace and became a partner in 1995. After a merger, James continued to be a partner at Walthall, Drake and Wallace LLP until 2014. Next on his career journey, he accepted the position as Vice president and CFO for the Gas Natural Company from 2014-2017 and Principal CPA for Maloney and Novotny LLC from 2017-present.
He was a faithful member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Elyria, serving on the church council and when his children where young, he took a week's vacation to teach Vacation Bible School.
Jim was honored to become the 2021 Hall of Fame Life Director for the North Coast Building Industry Association (NCBIA). He was a member of the Elyria Country Club since 2009, serving as treasurer, president and served on various committees. He was, also, a member of the Lorain County Chamber of Commerce. Throughout his life, James enjoyed serving on numerous boards in the community.
Christmas was one of his favorite holidays. His home was one of the most decorated homes in the neighborhood and enjoyed by all. Family, neighbors and friends looked forward to his display of fireworks every 4th of July. As an avid golfer, Jim loved to be on the greens with all his buddies out at Elyria Country Club every Saturday morning.
He, especially, looked forward to being with his family and friends at Deep Creek Lake, MD. Taking as many as 25 or more on vacation and they all stayed in one house! Where he enjoyed as a child with his Uncle Bob and cousins, Marcia and Sandy where he learned how to water ski.
Jim was a proud and loving husband for 43 years to Michele (nee Reisz); devoted Dad to daughters Melissa (Joe) Fedak of North Ridgeville, Samantha (Daniel) Bestor of Amherst and Sarah Sprague of Lakewood; doting Grandpa to Aria, Mason, Cara and Owen and another grandbaby on the way; and brother to David (Karen) Sprague of Elyria and Gary (Cindy) Sprague of Columbus, OH.
Preceded in death by his parents Sidney and Shirley Sprague and brother Kevin Sprague.
Jim was full of life and you always knew when he walked into the room. His kind soul and generosity will always be remembered by all who were blessed to be a part of his amazing life.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in Jim's name to the The Hotsey Scholarship Program C/O Elyria County Club 41625 Oberlin-Elyria Rd., Elyria, OH 44035, the Friendship APL 8303 Murray Ridge Rd., Elyria, OH 44035, or the Emmanuel Lutheran Church 360 Princeton Ave., Elyria, OH 44035.
Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 11am -8pm at the Elyria Country Club 41625 Oberlin-Elyria Rd., Elyria. Memorial Service will be on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 11am at the Elyria Country Club.
Pastor Tim Scholl of Emmanual Lutheran Church to officiate.
Cremation has been entrusted to Busch Funeral and Crematory Services.
440-322-3717 www.buschcares.com
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