Dr. James R. "Doc" Droese

Pierpont, Ohio

Dr. James R. (Doc) Droese passed away at his home on January 18, 2023 surrounded by his family.  Jim was born May 2, 1933 in Cleveland, Ohio to Norman H. and Grace (Seith) Droese. 

He spent his childhood on Antioch Road in North Perry, Ohio on his parents’ vegetable truck farm.   Jim graduated from Perry High School in 1951 and was proud to be a Perry Pirate.  He attended The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine where he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1958. 

He married the love of his life, Marilyn (Willhoite) Droese on July 13, 1957.  In 1959, Jim and Marilyn moved to Conneaut and opened Conneaut Animal Hospital initially next door to what at the time was the East Conneaut United Methodist Church on East Main Road.  Later, the Droese’s moved their practice to 211 East Main Road where “Doc” practiced until his retirement in March of 2020.  Over the span of 61 years, he cared for hundreds of pets and farm animals and enjoyed the patronage of literally generations of clients.   Some of his most memorable experiences were taking care of a lion when the circus train stopped in Conneaut and the time that he helped rescue horses from a barn at the bottom of Mill Hill when Conneaut Creek flooded the area in the winter. 

He loved vegetable gardening, vacationing in Florida and driving across the US with Marilyn.   Jim was an avid Ohio State Buckeye Football and Basketball fan and loved watching them on TV.   

He is survived by Marilyn, his wife of 64 years and one brother, Norman H. (Melba) Droese, Jr. of Ft. Myers, FL; a daughter, Linda (Dave) Jackson of Conneaut and four sons; Mark (Laura) Droese of Gahanna, OH, Scott (Patti) Droese of Pensacola, FL, Rex (Beth) Droese of West Jefferson, OH and Kurt (Kathy) Droese of Brighton, MI.  Grandchildren; Erin (Chad) Donley, Kelly (Andy) Miller, Tyler (Sam) Droese, Erica (Derek) Reeves, Ryan (Abby) Droese, Rachel Miller, Ryan Miller, Olivia Droese, Koen Droese, Jim Droese and Katie Droese, as well as Great Grandchildren; Annie and Ian Donley, Adam, Adrienne and Abram Droese and Isaac Reeves. 

He was preceded in death by his parents.

According to Jim’s wishes, no calling hours will be observed and burial will be at the discretion of the family at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.  Envelopes will be available at the Marcy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut, which is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Leave a memory or light a candle at www.marcyfuneralhome.com.

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