James Raymond Cloyes

James “Jim” Raymond Cloyes of Columbus, Ohio died Wednesday, October 13th at the age of 72 after a short battle with lung disease. He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas Brown Cloyes, and mother Marjorie Gere Cloyes. He is survived by his wife Martha Cloyes; two daughters Lauren (Brian) Flinte and Lindsay (Calloway) Robertson; grandchildren Sophia Flinte, Abigail Flinte, Charlotte Robertson, and Calloway Robertson; sister Barbara Goff; and brothers Thomas Cloyes, William Cloyes, and Peter Cloyes.
Devoted to his country, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force upon high school graduation. He served in the Vietnam War 1969-1971 with the USAF’s Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron nicknamed the Jolly Green Giants. Following the war, Jim graduated from The Ohio State University with degrees in Finance and Accounting, in under four years. 
His tenacity for numbers and algorithms brought him to Nickolas CPA located at 4308 E. Main Street, where Jim partnered with Mr. Nickolas to build James R. Cloyes CPA. The address and bright green and yellow sign became synonymous with intrepid accounting, late nights, and devotion to clients’ best interests. However, in order for Jim to build his practice, he had to confront the alcoholic inside. Through the support and education of Alcoholics Anonymous, Jim acknowledged his problem with alcohol, discovered faith in God of the Bible, and embodied the Jolly Green’s mission to rescue “so others may live” by becoming an AA Sponsor.  
Jim loved people. An enthusiastic collector of things, Jim enjoyed providing for the needs of others, no matter how random or impossible the request might sound. His fearless spirit often led him to say and do things that changed the trajectory of lives for generations to come. Jim’s legacy of giving whatever God placed into his hands continues today. 
Family and friends may call Friday, October 22nd, 2-5pm and 6-8pm at Dwayne Spence Funeral Home, 650 W Waterloo St, Canal Winchester, OH 43110. A funeral service will be held Saturday, October 23rd, 11am at Greencastle Bible Church, 2940 Amanda Northern Rd NW, Carroll, OH 43112. Graveside burial to follow in Lithopolis. 


In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Wounded Warrior Project at support.woundedwarriorproject.org in Jim’s honor.