James F. Croneis

James Frederick Croneis, 87, of Bucyrus, passed peacefully on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at Altercare of Bucyrus.

Jim was born August 20, 1937 in Bucyrus to Olan F. and Evelyn C. (Feighner) Croneis, who preceded him in death and was a 1955 graduate of Bucyrus High School. He proudly served in the Ohio National Guard for eight years and went through boot camp with Elvis Presley. On February 2, 1969, he married Peggy Anne Gardner and she survives. 

Known as “Bucyrus’ Storyteller”, Jim learned a lot about our community through his many years spent working at the Bucyrus Telegraph Forum. He started out by delivering the newspaper to area residents and made his way through all facets of the newsroom until publisher, retiring in 1998. Jim’s knowledge of the newspaper business was taught by his predecessors, Adam and Corrine Boryczka, two individuals he greatly respected and considered extended family. While under his guidance, the Telegraph Forum was a highly respected news source that kept folks up to date on local events. 

Jim was a devoted Christian and a member of First Baptist Church. He had attended Bucyrus Assembly of God and most recently Bucyrus Nazarene Church. Throughout his life he served God as a church deacon, Sunday School teacher, Bible Bus driver, worship leader, and was responsible for printing the church bulletin for many years. He was also a founding member of Col. Crawford Days (Bratwurst Festival), active in both the Bucyrus Preservation Society and Bucyrus Kiwanis Club and did extensive research on Colonel William Crawford. Jim was recently honored by the Bucyrus Bicentennial Group, who compiled his editorials into a series of books, which were released for folks to reflect on his stories. 

In addition to Peggy, Jim’s wife of 55 years, he is survived by children, Janell Croneis, Cherell (Eric) Levenchuck and Adam (Dr. Sarah) Croneis; grandchildren, Wyatt Frederick, Jacob James and Jack William Levenchuck; sisters, Carolyn (Michael) Kelley and Peg Vasil as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Along with Jim’s parents, Olan and Evelyn, he was preceded in death by a brother, Carl R. Croneis Sr.; stepmother, Evelyn F. Croneis and brother-in-law, Nick Vasil.

All services for Jim will take place on Saturday, November 16 at Wise Funeral Service. His family will receive friends from 10-11:55 am and his funeral will follow at 12:00 pm with Pastor Ray LaSalle officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.

If desired, donations can be made payable to either Bucyrus Preservation Society or to Bucyrus Nazarene Church. These gifts will be accepted through the funeral home and expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on his guestbook at www.wisefuneral.com.