James J. Menninger ’75

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JAMES JOSEPH MENNINGER ’75

The Class lost one of its friendliest members when Jim died on Feb. 15, 2025, after suffering a massive stroke. He was 71. Born and raised in Fairfield, Ohio, Jim graduated from Fairfield High School, where he was student body president for three years, lettered in several sports, was active in the German club, and was selected as the Most Outstanding Citizen of his class of 1971. At Princeton he earned his A.B. in history, played on the Varsity Lightweight Football team, managed the Student Ring Agency, and was a member of the Princeton Evangelical Fellowship and of Charter Club. He and John Bauer were roommates for three of their undergraduate years. As an alumnus, he served as president of the Ohio Valley Princeton Association and interviewed prospective students for the Alumni Schools Committee.

Jim was devoted to his Christian faith, and his career focused on ministry and teaching. After Princeton, he went on to Ashland University, earning a Ph.D. in theology, and later did postdoctoral work at the University of Cincinnati, University of Arizona, and University of Vienna. Professionally, he served as a youth leader or senior pastor at Baptist churches in the Cincinnati area, director of religious life at Ashland University, and adjunct professor or lecturer at several colleges and universities. He founded and led the Campus Life Organization and especially enjoyed serving as a life coach for Miami University (Ohio) athletic teams. He made trips to the Philippines and Germany to minister with missionaries there. Back at home, he was elected a councilman for the city of Fairfield.

Jim’s Princeton classmates remember especially his love for people. He took the time to ask questions, listen, and truly get to know the individuals around him—often those who might otherwise be overlooked. Jim enjoyed and thrived on competition, whether it was an alumni scrimmage with the 150s, a tennis game with a friend, fishing on Lake Erie with his sister and brothers-in-law, or a card game or backyard cornhole game with family.

Jim was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Neal. He is survived by his four sisters, Terrill (Rick) Broshear, Linda (Bob) Krause, Judy (John) Philpot, and Leah Menninger; and many nieces and nephews. We join them in mourning the loss of this memorable man with his infectious smile and warm concern for people. 

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