JAMES TEKELY

Jim was a retired employee of Columbia Gas of Ohio and a member of First United Methodist Church of Bellaire serving as its past superintendent of Sunday School.

Jim had a favorite saying, “Play like a champion today in your best chosen area.” He was an impressive athlete, holding the all time record at Martins Ferry Stadium in the 220 yard dash in 22.1 seconds. He was a Bellaire track captain. He is a member of the Bellaire High School Hall of Fame, and 1952 OVAC AA football champion serving as co-captain and five time OHSAA 100 and 220 yard dash champion held in Dover and Urichsville. A longtime Bellaire coach for Bantam and Pony league baseball, past president of Bellaire Touchdown Club, 1987 honorary referee Bellaire Relays, past president of Bellaire Alumni Association, Stone Chimney Club, and served as a Pultney Township Trustee for 36 years, BPOE 419, past board president of EORWA. He also served as past secretary and vice chairman and chaiman of Belmont County Democrat Executive Committee and was Ohio Regional Director of Ohio Clinton- Arkansas Committee in 1990.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey Scott Tekely in August of 2005.

Surviving are his wife, Ellen Ann Snider Tekely of Bellaire; a son, James F. (Vickie) Tekely Jr. of Bellaire; two grandchildren, Lauren Tekely of Glen Dale and Chad M. Tekely of Yorkville, OH; a sister, Rhoda J. Paul of St. Clairsville and several loving nieces and nephews and cousins.

Friends will be received on Friday from 2-4 and 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Care Funeral & Cremation Specialist, 204 W. Main Street, St. Clairsville, OH, with funeral services on Saturday at 11 a.m. with Rev. Mitchel Johnston officiating. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, St. Clairsville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bellaire Touchdown Club or Our Lady of Peace School Track & Field or First United Methodist Church of Bellaire by going to “TMCFunding.com.”

Share your thoughts and memories of Jim with his family at www.carechapel.com.