James R. Tufford

March 15, 1942 - December 21, 2020

James Tufford, 78, of Newcomerstown, died Monday, December 21, 2020 at Union Hospital. He was born Sunday, March 15, 1942, in Newcomerstown to Russell and Mabel (Hannahs) Tufford. Jim was a graduate of Newcomerstown High School, class of 1960. He owned and operated a Shell service station for 35 years and was a custodian and bus driver for Newcomerstown schools for 18 years. Jim married Anna (Rothenstine) Tufford on February 3, 1961. Jim loved gardening, but his greatest passion was serving his Lord Jesus Christ. He served as president of the Coshocton Gideons, was a lay speaker, and passed out Bibles to schools, universities, and the military. He was very active in Gideon's International for many years and traveled to Africa twice with the organization. Jim touched many lives with his visits and prayers; we know that he is rejoicing with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Jim is survived by his wife Anna; his children Natalie (Eric) Huston of Alliance, James E. (Teresa) Tufford of Newcomerstown, and Jay (Tara) Tufford of Bolivar; his grandchildren, Dirk, Colt (Chelsea), Ashton, Brock (Krystin), Erica (Zach), Michaela, and Morgan (Shelby); his great-grandchildren, Chloe, Silas, Channing, Estelle, and Elise; many nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his son, Kirk Allen Tufford; two sisters; one brother. No services will be held. Memorial contributions may be made in Jim's honor to Gideon's International, P.O. Box 531 Coshocton, OH 43812.