James Robert "J.R." Mustard

Jim “J.R.” Mustard, age 75, of Celina, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021 at his residence in Celina. He was born on Oct. 21, 1945 in Van Wert, OH to the late James Richard and Rosina (Marsh) Mustard. On Aug. 19, 1967 he married Jane Buckloh, who survives living in Celina. Jim is survived by his two children Chad (Sasivimol) Mustard of Leesburg, Virginia, Crista (Dean) Winner of Celina, four grandchildren Samantha Winner, Ethan Winner, Andrew Winner and Spencer James Mustard and two brothers and sister-in-law Charles (Donna) Mustard and Jack Mustard, both of Celina. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his brother William Mustard. 

He graduated from Celina High School with the Class of 1963, then received his Bachelor’s Degree from Manchester College. Furthering his education, Jim obtained his Master’s in Educational Psychology from the Miami University and received advanced training in education from The Ohio State University. 

Jim’s career as an educator spanned a period of thirty years with retirement in 1996. After initially teaching in the Troy School System, he started with Celina City Schools as the first school psychologist in 1972. Much of his career was as Director of Pupil Personnel in Celina during which time he initiated innovative educational programs. Jim started the Head Start program in Celina which was the first in the state of Ohio. He designed an evening adult vocational education program that has grown into the present day Tri-Star. During his tenure at Celina City Schools he successfully secured numerous educational grants.

Jim served in multiple roles as an elected official for the City of Celina. Over a period of fifteen years he proudly served the community as a member of the City Council, Council President, and Mayor for the citizens of Celina. During his tenure he was proud of being instrumental in bringing CAPT to Celina as well as establishing new partnerships such as the sister-city relationship with Japan still enjoyed today.

Doing things for the good of the community became his focus during retirement. As a hobby Jim wrote grants for numerous schools, cities, and towns throughout a multi-state area. He was a co-founder of the Celina Rotary Club and later a Co-Founder of the Grand Lake Rotary Club. He served as a board member on a variety of organizations and recently as a board member for Mercer Residential Services. 

It is challenging to summarize Jim’s impact throughout the community including with the City of Celina, other cities and towns in multi-state area, and the U.S. Government.  The family wants the community to be aware of his selfless service for the benefit of others. One example is his involvement with the Selective Service Board for the local district. Most recently he was selected by the IRS to represent Ohio taxpayers on the Taxpayer Advocate Panel, one of 75 in the United States. Jim worked extensively across a multi-state area to seek funding for hundreds of municipalities to procure or upgrade emergency service equipment including fire, police, and communications. He has partnered with cities to develop plans for preservation and restoration of historical landmarks. He worked with various organizations to secure funding for leisure activities and venues around the community.   

Jim was a proud “Papa” for his family and found strength in the energy and vitality of his grandchildren. He always placed family members needs and well-being before his own. He was immensely proud of his children, Chad and Crista.  Chad provides selfless service to our nation as a senior executive in the federal government. Crista remains active in the local community and works in the Celina City Schools. One of his fondest moments with his wife Jane of more than 50 years was sitting on the screen porch overlooking the view as the sun set on Grand Lake. He was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church in Celina.

Honoring Jim’s wishes there will be no public visitation. A private family service is being arranged. Jim wanted all to remember his life and love for the community, therefore, the Mustard family encourages all of those Jim has touched to express themselves through stories, remembrances, and condolences on-line at Lehman-Dzendzel Funeral Home website, LehmanDzendelFH.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association 113 N. Council St, Muncie, IN 47305 or through the website, www.heart.org.

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