In a news release from the Midwest Buckeye Umpires Association, Hicksville’s own James F. (Jim) Siler will be inducted into the OHSAA (Ohio High School Athletic Association) Officials Hall of Fame. The 2024 recognition banquet will be held on June 22nd in Columbus, Ohio, one day before Jim’s birthday.
Retired from umpiring since last year, Jim called his first game in 1969 – for a fee of $2.00! In 1971 he became a charter member of the MBUA. Affiliated with the OHSAA, Siler umpired baseball for 54 years. He also refereed basketball for 17 years. He has been tapped for 26 regional tournament assignments and three state tourney jobs – in 1981, 1983, and 1984. Records show that Jim has umpired 3,100 games!
The Midwest Buckeye Umpires Association boasts that Jim is the fourth of their members to receive this prestigious honor. They will be holding an open gathering at the Van Wert, Ohio Pizza Hut on March 20th from 6 to 7 to honor Jim and fellow inductee and long-time friend, Bill Wonders. (The association is having a banquet after the open house with a meal. There is a $15 charge for anybody wanting to stay for that.Those interested in attending the banquet to follow should register with Ron Golemon at 419-513-0439.)
Jim is a Vietnam era veteran of the US Air Force. A graduate of Stryker High School, he attended BGSU and Toledo University, getting his degrees over a period of time, during which he worked at BF Goodrich. Jim taught electricity and electronics at Vantage for 15 years, followed by 16 years at Hicksville schools, where he taught psychology.
That psychology training came in handy during stressful times on the ballfield. Jim states that he “never made an enemy and never threw a coach out”. Instead he would let them do their ranting, look them in the eye and ask “Are you done now?” Once the wind was out of their sails, the game could continue.
Jim is happy in retirement, stating that it’s all been fun. He enjoys family time with his wife Donna, children Heather, Kelby and Perry, plus nine grandchildren and five great grands. Kelby is following in dad’s footsteps as an umpire, with over 100 games so far.
Asked about this milestone achievement, Jim says getting the award gives him “a warm and fuzzy feeling. Fifty-five years is a long time, but you don’t think about it in that way.” He says “It’s been a great avocation.”
