James B. "Jim, Jimmy, Jim Bob, Real Estate Tycoon" Dabbelt was born March 20, 1942 in Celina, Ohio to Norbert "Slick" and Patricia Dabbelt, and passed away on November 2, 2026.

Jim is survived by his beautiful wife, Barbara C. (Kerns) Dabbelt, his bride of 62 years. He considered his marriage to his precious Barbe the greatest gift of his life. He was devoted to her completely and unendingly proud of her and of the life they built together, a life that included five children. His devotion to her was evident in the life they built together, the family they raised, and the countless memories they shared. His oldest son, Deny, passed away in May 2023. Like his father, Deny was an avid fisherman, hunter, and outdoorsman, and the two were happiest when they were outdoors.

Above all, Jim's children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was their biggest supporter, a steady presence, and the person they could count on to cheer the loudest. He may have spent decades selling homes, but his greatest investment was always his family.

As a young man, Jim graduated from Coldwater HS ('60) and Miami Jacobs College with a degree in accounting. Jim found his true calling in selling real estate for six decades. He worked hard, and played hard. Jim collected boats, snowmobiles, and various vehicles. He was well known for bringing people together starting a snowmobile club he called on to help rescue citizens stranded in their homes during the blizzard of '78. He also organized fellow sailboaters and ran several Regattas.

Jim was an only child; however, Barbe was one of 8 Kerns children and he quickly became an important part of their large family. His nieces, nephews, children, and grandchildren can all remember a summer day on the boat fishing, skiing, or tubing, with him at the helm and a grin on his face. Jim's happy place was the lake with a fishing pole in his hand.

He was deeply proud of Celina, believed in giving back to his community and never missed a chance to make it better. He founded the Wally Post Golf Open and Cast for a Cure, two events that raised money for the American Cancer Society and brought neighbors, friends, and families together for a good cause. He was instrumental in bringing the Governor's Cup Regatta to Celina, and he gave his time and energy to the Lake Development Committee and the Chamber of Commerce.

Jim's faith and his church were just as important to him. He was committed to Immaculate Conception Church, where he used his humor to coerce parishioners to purchase much unneeded items at the parish auction. Anyone who heard him work the crowd knows he could sell socks to a snake, and the festival was better for it. He was also responsible for lighting the spire of the church steeples which he loved to view from a boat on the lake.

Whatever the cause, Jim showed up with a generous heart, strong back, and a lot of one-liners. He dedicated himself to making his world, his community, and his family the best it could be.

He will be greatly missed at neighborhood gatherings, around the lake, in the community, and especially by his family. But we are positive Dad is in the best place, negotiating a deal on a boat, and a fishing trip to a spot only he knows with his dad and Deny.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Church with burial following at St. Marys Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends may visit from 5-7 p.m. Friday at Lehman-Dzendzel Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Cancer Association of Mercer County, donations possible online at camc-ohio.org, and all stories about Jim are appreciated!