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Jagers and Sons Funeral Home

24 Morris Ave.

Athens, Ohio

Russ Tinkham Obituary

The Plains George "Russ" Tinkham, age 94, of The Plains, Ohio, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, at O'Bleness Hospital.

Russ was born March 28, 1931, in The Plains, Ohio, to the late Carl and Mildred (Lovsey) Tinkham. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many. He was married to his beloved wife, Shirley Tinkham, for 70 years before her passing, Thanksgiving 2025.

Russ proudly served his country as an Airman First Class in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was a longtime member of the Elks Lodge 973 in Athens and Constitution Lodge 426 F&AM in New Marshfield. In his free time, he enjoyed playing golf, spending time with his family, mowing yards, and faithfully cheering on his Ohio State Buckeyes. Russ spent most of his career as a supervisor at Abex Tire and Mold, which he took great pride in.

He is survived by his son, Rusty (Janice) Tinkham; daughter, Luanne Weisenbach; and brother-in-law, Thomas (Tom) McGee. He also leaves behind his cherished grandsons, Cory (Erin) Tinkham and Kris (Makenzie Greene) Weisenbach; and his beloved great-grandchildren, Carter Tinkham and Camerin Tinkham (children of Cory and Erin), and Daisy Weisenbach (daughter of Kris and Makenzie).

In addition to his wife and parents, Russ was preceded in death by six brothers, James, Raymond, Carl (Sonny), Bill, Robert and Roger Tinkham; and four sisters, Elaine Davis, Beulah Radford, Louise Lucas, and Barbara Howard.

Funeral service will be conducted Friday, January 30, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens. Burial will be in The Plains (Hocking) Cemetery. Friends may call Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Athens Elks Lodge 973 will hold services on Friday at 12:30 p.m. and Constitution Lodge 426 will hold services on Friday at 12:45 p.m. both at the funeral home. Military Rites will be conducted by K.T. Crossen Post 21 American Legion and VFW Post 9896 Honor Guards at the funeral home. Please share a memory a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to thank all the staff, nurses and aides at the Laurels of Athens for their dedication and loving care. We also would like to thank the nurses and aides of Ohio Health O'Bleness Hospital and Homereach Hospice for their compassionate care during Russ's final days. Russ Tinkham

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Athens Messenger on Jan. 26, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for Russ Tinkham

Sponsored by Jagers and Sons Funeral Home.

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5 Entries

Cheryl J Skinner Tri-State Military Veterans Museum

January 27, 2026

May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,

May your memories of Russ Tinkham, give you peace, comfort and strength

Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom.
You will not be forgotten...
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of .

US Air Force Veteran, Russ Tinkham, is “A True American Hero” God Bless†

† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †

Patricia Cain

January 26, 2026

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Sorry to hear of their passing. Much love to all.
Love
George and Patty Cain

Barry BOLIN

January 26, 2026

My wife Lynne and I Visited Russ a couple times each month while he was in Laurels. We pray the good Lord gives strength to the family during this difficult time.

Gerald Evans

January 26, 2026

I knew Russ as a first rate base ball player and we had many occasions to play against each other. I'm close in age and a to so knew his wife from work at OU. So many good times from that period in time and so sad to lose such fine people. May our Dear Lord watch over his fine family and give them strength during this difficult time.
Gerald Evans

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Memorial Events
for Russ Tinkham

Jan

30

Visitation

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Jagers & Sons Funeral Home

24 Morris Avenue, Athens, OH 45701

Jan

30

Service

12:30 p.m.

Jagers & Sons Funeral Home

24 Morris Avenue, Athens, OH 45701

Jan

30

Service

12:45 p.m.

Jagers & Sons Funeral Home

24 Morris Avenue, Athens, OH 45701

Jan

30

Funeral service

1:00 p.m.

Jagers & Sons Funeral Home

24 Morris Avenue, Athens, OH 45701

Funeral services provided by:

Jagers and Sons Funeral Home

24 Morris Ave., Athens, OH 45701

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