James Leslee Salyer, 61, of Columbus, lost his 16-month battle with brain cancer at Kobacker House on Nov. 27, 2015, and joined his Lord and Savior in Heaven.
Jim was born on Aug. 29, 1954, to James Benjamin and Donna Eileen Salyer in Circleville.
Jim enjoyed a happy childhood and upbringing with his family. He was always grateful for the love, experiences, and sacrifices his parents made for him and his sister.
He is survived by his beloved partner and spouse of 20 years, Gary Miller; his mother, Donna; and his sister, Monica Massie and her family of Circleville.
He was preceded in death by his father and his grandparents.
Jim graduated from Circleville High School in 1972. He traveled abroad to Europe as a Youth Ambassador for the US in 1970, visiting 13 countries. He graduated from The Ohio State University in 1977 with a degree in Landscape and Architecture. He was a member of the OSU marching band, Row “H” (baritone), participating in President Richard Nixon’s inaugural parade, four Rose Bowls and one Orange Bowl.
Jim worked in the landscape design and sales field in the Columbus area for most of his career, as well as the City of Upper Arlington Parks & Recreation Department. Most recently, he was a wine buyer for Whole Foods in Upper Arlington and Dublin.
Jim and Gary loved their Australian Shepherds! They owned six Aussies over the years and volunteered for Ohio Aussie Rescue, doing home visits, housing and transporting homeless Aussies to foster homes all over Ohio. He is also survived by the three in the home, Sally, Paisley and Fraser.
Along with Aussies, Jim enjoyed all things outdoors, which was evident by the beautiful yard he always maintained. He enjoyed their travels to Europe, Canada and the US, along with camping all over the state of Ohio. In more recent years Jim enjoyed getting away throughout the year to Locust Grove cabin in McArthur near Hocking Hills.
Jim was a Believer and a member of King Avenue United Methodist Church since 2002, where he sang in the Chancel Choir, accompanied the Men’s Quartet, served on the UMCOR team and other committees, and was a founding member of the Renegades Dinner Group.
Jim lived by the Golden Rule, always putting others first. He always had a smile, a hug and something positive to say to all he encountered. He was a friend who was always ready and willing to help others in whatever way he could. Jim went the extra mile for work and was a man that people couldn’t help but love. His beautiful green eyes and gleaming, bright smile will be greatly missed by many.
A service of memory and celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015, at King Avenue United Methodist Church, with lunch to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory can be made to The Huggins Fund for Music at King Avenue UMC, or the Kobacker House.
The family wishes to especially thank the people of Kobacker House for their wonderful care of Jim and the family while he was there.
This article originally appeared on The Pickaway News Journal
