James A. Hertzel

James A. Hertzel, 80, of Elyria, died Sunday, August 3, 2025. He was born November 24, 1944 in Cleveland and attended Murray Ridge Center, Oberlin. He was an excellent worker and took pride in his job and in the paychecks he earned. He looked forward to going to work every day, spending time with all of his friends and participating in community activities. James always had something to say and could talk for hours about just about anything. He was an amazing story teller and never missed an opportunity to share an experience, a joke, or talk about his favorite things. His smile and his laughter could brighten anyone's day. James loved to garden and took great care of the vegetable garden he planted each summer. He also loved animals and talked about someday living on a farm with the chickens. James never met a stranger and would greet anyone he met, even the delivery drivers, with a 'hello my friend'. He always had a smile on his face, love to give, and a story to tell. James often said that 'today is the best day of my life' and he lived each day as if it were. James was a great friend to many and loved by all who knew him. He loved his family at Cedar Creek and Murray Ridge Center and will be deeply missed by everyone. James was survived by a niece, Lisa Hertzel; nephew, Keith Hertzel; and great-nephews, Kyle and Shane. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Rose Hertzel; and a brother, Kenneth Hertzel. Private burial will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery, Brook Park, Ohio. Arrangements are in the care of Dicken Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Elyria. For online condolences, visit www.dickenfuneralhome.com