James Edwin Lehman, 86, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, with his family members at his side after a brief hospitalization at Mt Carmel East.

James was born in Athens, Pennsylvania, but spent his childhood in Syracuse, New York, as the only son of Keith and Marguerite Lehman, both natives of Potter County, Pennsylvania.

He was married to Daphne Lehman of Elmira, New York, for 63 years before she passed away in 2024. James is survived by sons Jeffrey Lehman (wife Karla) residents of Phoenix, Arizona, and Timothy Lehman (wife Angela) residents of Bethesda, Maryland, as well as his grandsons Joshua Lehman of Bethesda, Maryland, Maurice Lehman Santa Barbara, California, Stefan Lehman of Washington, DC, Isaac Lehman of Phoenix, Arizona, and Carlos Lehman of Phoenix, Arizona. Preceding him in death was son Michael Lehman and his parents Keith and Marguerite Lehman.

After graduating from Syracuse University, James worked for Nationwide Insurance for over 30 years, starting as a regional manager in Syracuse and North Canton, Ohio, and finishing his career in the budgeting department at the headquarters office in downtown Columbus. James and Daphne resided in Pickerington for 40 years in the same home where they spent many happy years. Ultimately, he took care of Daphne through a long-term illness at their home prior to her passing. Previously they had taken care of James' mother Marguerite for 12 years in the same home. James loved living in Pickerington, enjoyed interacting with the neighbors, and until the end did not want to move anywhere else.

James devoted his life to his family. He was proud of the accomplishments of his two sons and five grandsons, appreciating the diversity his daughters-in-law brought to his family. Education was extremely important to James and was delighted by the educational successes of his loved ones. He enjoyed a simple life and passed down lessons of frugality and financial literacy to his sons Jeffrey and Timothy. He preferred doing things himself over letting others do things for him, which was part of his belief of being practical and staying physically and mentally engaged throughout his whole life.

After Daphne's passing, James became a member of the senior centers in Pickerington and Reynoldsburg, as well as Peace Church in Pickerington, where he formed many important friendships in his later years. He enjoyed getting to know those who lived in his community and offered his help to the centers and the church, which included financial advice that he had acquired over a vast career in the business world. It was at the senior center that he developed a great interest in creative writing, something he had never explored previously. He also enjoyed exercise classes, including chair volleyball. Those who knew him could expect and rely on his boundless energy, right until his sudden passing.

Memorial services will be held at the Pfiefer-Woodyard Funeral Home in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Memorial Service will be observed at 4 PM, following the calling hours from 2 PM (noon) to 4 PM, with Pastor Scott Drummond of the Peace Church officiating.

The burial will take place at a later date, at the Ulysses, Pennsylvania Cemetery, where his wife Daphne and son Michael are buried, as well as many Lehman ancestors.

Pfeifer Woodyard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Lehman family.