ZANESVILLE — James Kiel Warren, 81, formerly of Zanesville, died early Tuesday morning, March 14, 2023, at Sunnyslope Care Center, Bowerston. Born June 27, 1941, in Hillsdale, Michigan, he was the son of the late Kiel Warren and Wanda McOscar Warren.
He was a graduate of Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte, Michigan. Jim retired after 51 years of service from American Electric Power Co., where he was a supervisor line foreman and assessor. Known at AEP as “Mule“ (Muley), he assisted in the training of many employees over the years. After retiring from AEP, Jim taught at Mid-East Adult Career Center, Zanesville, instructing students in power line technologies. Jim shared a special bond with his students. After graduating from the program, his students would call and visit him frequently over the years.
Jim was a member of Mt. Sterling Lodge 269 F&AM, Scottish Rite, and Aladdin Temple Shrine. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War. He served in Thailand and was a camera operator and photographic repairman.
He shared a passion for art with his wife, Linda. Jim and Linda had an art studio at the Masonic Temple, in Zanesville. They were very active in the Zanesville art community, supporting the Art Coz organization and the Y Bridge Festival. Jim painted beautiful paintings and was an avid woodworker. He loved to spend time in his workshop turning wood bowls and vases on his lathe and carving intricate works of art.
Jim spent a lot of time outdoors, feeding the wild turkey (they would peck at his back door waiting to be fed) and the many deer that gathered in his yard, daily. Jim cherished the countless years he spent hunting at the Red Bird Ranch, with the Lackey family, and the time he spent with his children, grandchildren, siblings and friends. He loved tickling and wrestling with his grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and going to their special events. Jim never met a stranger and had too many friends to count.
Jim is survived by a daughter, Angela (Brian) Richards of Chillicothe; a son, James Howard Warren of Mt. Vernon; two bonus children, Shawn (Barb) Regula of New Philadelphia and Misty (Dean) Green of Zanesville; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three brothers, David (Kay) Warren of Southgate, MI, Andy Warren of Parker, CO, and John (Debbie) Warren of Jerome, MI; special friends the Lackey family of Stewart; and his faithful companion, his dog Angel.
Besides his parents he is preceded in death by his wife of 27 years, Linda Regula Warren, who passed away June 13, 2020; a great-granddaughter, Emma Pulley; two sisters, Joy Brown and Donna Jean Warren; and a special aunt and uncle, Wanda and Armond McOscar.
Funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens with burial in Canaanville Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday from 11 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home. Savannah Lodge 466 will conduct Masonic rites at 12:50 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Military rites will be conducted by K.T. Crossen Post 21 American Legion and VFW Post 9893 Honor Guards at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to: Mid-East Career & Technology Centers, Power Technologies Program, 400 Richards Rd., Zanesville, OH 43701. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.
