James K. Pifer

James K. Pifer went to be with the Lord on November 13, 2024, at the age of 82. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and brother. He was born on July 11, 1944, in Lafayette, IN. After graduating from Columbus North High School in 1960, he joined the Ohio Army National Guard, where he served for four years. He began his career in the mailroom at Nationwide Insurance, where he met the love of his life, Marsha. Next, he sold draperies for Accent Drapery Company for several years. He decided to return to Nationwide, where he retired in 1998 after 30 total years of service. 

Growing up, Jim was always a helper and caretaker. Whether it was taking care of the house and cars for his mother, caring for his Aunt, Grandmother, Stepmother and Step-Aunt or helping with his younger brother, Jim never sat idle or refused to help anyone. Later in life, he provided for and took care of his wife and daughter, with the goal of always doing the right thing. 

One of Jim’s favorite past times was spending time with his family. He loved to play board games and go water skiing with his only daughter, Kelly when she was young, and later take her, son-in-law Ken, and Marsha to see his antique car shows. He also enjoyed spending time with his two grandchildren, Jordan and Christopher, playing marbles, going tubing at Lake Cumberland and attending their sporting and school events. He also made the best peanut butter fudge for them. They knew him as Pawpaw and both enjoyed his support and love through the years.

Survived by his wife Marsha L. (Vermillion) Pifer, daughter Kelly (Ken) Stoll, grandchildren Jordan Stoll and Christopher Stoll, brother Charles E. (Dottie) Pifer and sister-in-law Nancy Pifer. Predeceased in death by his parents Florence Pifer and Raymond Pifer and brother Richard E. (Nancy) Pifer. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Capital City Hospice. Checks payable to Addus Hope Foundation, 2800 Corporate Exchange Dr. Suite 170, Columbus, Ohio 43231