James A. Hyde, 91, of Brookville, passed away May 22, 2024 at St. Andrews Health Campus in Batesville, where he has resided the last three years.  Jim was born December 21, 1932 on a farm in Springfield Township, the youngest son of the late Alfred and Pauline (Geis) Hyde.

Jim graduated from the former Springfield High School with the class of 1951.  He continued his education at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business.  An ex-Navy man, Jim proudly served his country on the USS Lake Champlain aircraft carrier.  Serving with the Atlantic Fleet until his honorable discharge in 1957.

On February 12, 1956 James was united in marriage to the former Eileen Ortman, and she survives.

Always planning ahead, he purchased his business while still in the Navy.  Jim owned and operated this successful insurance and real estate business (later just real estate) in Brookville for over 50 years.  Selling and buying property, homes, and farms for families in the community for three generations.

     Mr. Hyde had been involved in the Franklin County community his whole life.  His maternal great-grandfather, Joseph A Fries was fundamental in starting the Franklin County National Bank in which Jim served with pride as a director for many years until his retirement at the age of 70.  He was also a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the Eagles, the American Legion, and the VFW Honor Guard, marching in many parades throughout the years.

Jim loved spending time with his family and friends, and enjoyed time at his river camp, gardening, mushroom hunting, or making his famous homemade wine.  He especially loved a good card game or “trying” to teach his grandkids his acquired skill. Upon his partial retirement in 2000, Jim and Eileen enjoyed spending their winters in Redington Shores Beach, Fla. where they still have many friends.

Besides Eileen, his wife and best friend for over 68 years, he is survived by two daughters, Pamela (Bob) Barton of Brookville and Brenda (Mike) Dare of Pace, Fla.  Nine grandchildren who will miss hearing grandpa tell his “famous” stories including Jesse Barton of Brookville; Kelli (Jeremy) Dean, Dana (Micah) Hinck, Brian (Mary) Dare, Caleb (Sarah) Dare and Hannah (Logan) Munsey all of Pace; Tonya (James) Deferio of Sterling, NY, Joel (Stephanie) Dare of Itajuba, Brazil and Tarah (Joe) Stephens of Denver.  There are also 17 great-grandchildren who will also miss their Great-Grandpa Hyde.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Jeffery Hyde in 2006 and a loving granddaughter, Lori Barton in 2003.  He also had a brother Emerson Hyde and a sister Lura (Hyde) Allen precede him in death.

Friends visited with the family on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home, 929 Main Street, Brookville.  Burial will be later in St. Michael Cemetery.  Military honors were at the funeral home prior to services at 11:30.  

Memorial contributions can be directed to the Brookville American Legion Post #77 or to St. Michael’s School.  To sign the online guestbook or to leave a personal condolence, please visit www.cookrosenberger.com.  The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hyde family.

Paid obituary.