1177 W. 5th Avenue
Columbus Ohio 43212
Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church
1559 Roxbury Road
Columbus
, Ohio 43212
James Edward Lorenz, age 84, of Upper Arlington, died September 8, 2016, due to complications from Parkinson Disease. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Joan (Schroer) Lorenz; daughters and sons-in-law, Catherine and Edward Carroll of Philadelphia, Deborah "Debby" and Joe Brake of Pickerington, Elizabeth "Betsy" and Shawn Murphy of Hillard, Cynthia and Jarry Case of Pickerington; sons and daughters–in-law, Daniel and Melissa Lorenz of Dublin, William and Jamhuri Lorenz of Nairobi, Kenya, Joseph and Julie Lorenz of Columbus; sixteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents Frank and Isabel Lorenz. Jim is the fourth of ten children of Frank and Isabel Lorenz. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Terrence Lorenz and Thomas Lorenz. His other siblings include, Christopher Lorenz, Robert Lorenz, Sister Mary Linda Lorenz, O.P., Sister De Chantal Lorenz, O.P., Judy Hosler, Linda Peeler and Mary Frances. Jim is a graduate of Aquinas High School class of 1950 and University of Dayton Engineering School class of 1954. During his long business career he was involved in several ventures. He served as the President of Lorenz Equipment Co. from 1968 to 1982. In 1983 he then started the entrepreneurial phase of his career and became a visionary in the environmental field. Over the next 30 years he started five companies, including, Pro Terra Environmental Contracting, Ohio Soil Recycling Company and J&J Investment Co. Jim was involved in many charitable activities including the Rosemont Center where he served on the board for many years. He served on the finance committee of Immaculate Conception Church and he was also a Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus. He and Joan also spent many years as part of the CFM program. Jim also served as the Commodore at the Hoover Yacht Club where he loved to sail. Jim was a world traveler having been to Africa, Europe and Central America. When he was asked, what is your favorite place? He always responded, "Columbus, Ohio." As a father Jim never wanted his children to be idle and created a back yard playground at their home on North Broadway. There was a tree fort, a basketball court, a zip line, an ice skating rink, a shuffleboard court and an antique merry-go-round all designed to keep the seven children busy. He inspired his children and grandchildren with his spirit, his humor and his passion. They are all lucky to have called Jim “Dad.” Jim showed courage as he battled Parkinson these past few years. The love and devotion that Jim and Joan had for each other was truly inspiring to those who knew them especially as she helped him battle for his health. Jim touched a lot of lives during his life and he can be assured he left the world a better place. His family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 14, 2016, from 4-8 p.m., at the JOHN QUINT TREBONI FUNERAL HOME, 1177 West Fifth Avenue. Funeral Mass 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 15, 2016, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 1559 Roxbury Road (Marble Cliff). Rev. Msgr. Romano Ciotola, Celebrant and Rev. Fr. Thomas Schroer, S.M., Concelebrant. Entombment to follow, Resurrection Cemetery, Lewis Center.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to one of the following: Dominican Sisters of Peace, Ohio Health Hospice or the Parkinson Foundation of Central Ohio. Condolences may be sent via www.johnquint.com.