James Westerhold Obituary

James R Westerhold

Feb 23, 1932 - Oct 11, 2025

Sandusky

James R. Westerhold, 93, of Sandusky and formerly Norwalk, passed away Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Providence Care Center.

He was born February 23, 1932, in Sandusky, to Andrew and Sophia (Winterhalter) Westerhold. He was a 1950 graduate of St. Mary Catholic School, also working for the family business, Smith Hardware Store. He played on the first undefeated basketball team at Sandusky St. Mary's in 1950, and played in the 1957 World Slow-Pitch tournament. He served in the US Air Force from 1951 until 1954 and served two years in Germany. Returning to work with his family, and also managing Sandusky's slow-pitch team from 1958 to 1962. Jim moved to Norwalk in 1962 and was the first employee hired at WLKR Radio in Norwalk. In 1979, he became a major shareholder and purchased the AM/ FM radio station, forming Firelands Broadcasting, Inc. He later sold the business in 1997 and lived in Arizona, returning to Norwalk each year until moving back to Norwalk in 2010. He enjoyed golfing and raising horses. He also owned Amish wagons for all to ride in Ohio and Arizona from 1988-1997. Sports were his life and hobby, and he enjoyed golfing and raising horses.

Jim was President and General Manager of Firelands Broadcasting; serving as Ohio's only Independent County Commissioner in Huron County, 1983-1990; President for the Huron County AAA 1975-1977, merging with Cleveland to become Ohio Motorist AAA and served 25 years as a Board Trustee; Member and officer in the Sandusky Knights of Columbus Council 546, serving as Grand Knight and Financial Secretary, 1957-1977; President of the Catholic High School Athletic Federation for St. Mary's School, 1955-1957; organized Sandusky slow pitch league in 1958; Board member of Huron County Mental Health, Norwalk Kiwanis, Red Cross, Norwalk Salvation Army, and Huron County Humane Society; Past President of Norwalk Area Chamber of Commerce, 1965-1966 where he was instrumental in assisting West Baking and Saginaw Wire in coming to Norwalk; honored with P.T. Garcia award for community service, 1966 and Hall of Fame in 2014 at St. Mary High School, Sandusky.

In radio broadcasting, he enjoyed covering sports, especially the Cleveland Indians, for over 35 years and attending spring training in Arizona and Florida, beginning in 1982. While covering the events, he met and became personal friends with many athletes, coaches and Hall of Fame recipients. He enjoyed taking area fans to Bengals games for 25 years, sitting in Bengals Box Seats along with Browns and Indians, interviewing athletes on the field and in the clubhouse. During his years of ownership, he helped numerous organizations, clubs, and groups with their fundraising events. He had over 2800 interviews recorded during Spring Training in his 32 years of radio.

He was chairman of three well-attended banquets in Huron County for honorees such as Senator Young, Governor Rhodes and Paul Brown. He was also an announcer at Sandusky Speedway from 1971-1977, and at numerous other sporting events. Jim was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Norwalk Eagles and a past member of Rockwell Trout Club; and a life member of the Sandusky AMVETS and VFW.

He is survived by his sons, Andrew J. Westerhold and John F. (Sarah) Westerhold; grandchildren, Ryan and Zack Juhre; and great-grandson, Danny Juhre; nieces and nephews; special friend, Bill Hubans; and compassionate caregiver, Jessie Williams.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Patricia (Rupp) Westerhold; his daughter, Marie Juhre; brothers, Rolland and Charles Westerhold; and sisters, Virginia Ebert and Murita Ott.

Graveside committal service will begin at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Calvary Cemetery Chapel in Sandusky, with the Rev. Jim Brown officiating, and military honors will take place.

Memorial contribu-tions may be sent to St. Paul Catholic Church, 91 E. Main Street, Norwalk, OH 44857.