James D. Hapner

James D. Hapner, 86, died peacefully Monday, April 20, 2015 at his home in Lynchburg following a long period of failing health. 

He was born in Germantown, Ohio on Nov. 30, 1928 to William R. Hapner, Sr. and Kathryn G. Hapner.

He was educated in Hillsboro schools and the Ohio State University and was awarded a Juris Doctorate degree from the OSU College of Law in 1951. While there, he was a staff member of the Law Review and was selected to the ‘Order of the Coif.’ Also while at Ohio State, he was the manager of the OSU baseball team and was a member of the ‘Varsity O.’ While at Hillsboro High School, he was manager of the football team and continued throughout his life to be a supporter and fan of the athletic programs.

His professional career began after passing the Ohio Bar exam and being employed by the U.S. Treasury Department in Washington D.C. He also practiced law in Columbus with the firm of Dargusch, Saxbe & Dargusch before returning to Hillsboro to open a private law practice with his brother Jon and was later joined by his daughter Kathryn. In 1960, he was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives, and again in 1962. He was twice elected Hillsboro Municipal Court Judge and also was elected and/or appointed several times as Hillsboro Law Director. He was an active supporter of the Republican Party at the local, state and national levels and never hesitated to speak about political principles.

Over the years, he performed pro-bono work for many local civic and charitable organizations and was one of only a few attorneys to argue a case before the United States Supreme Court. He was a lifelong member of the Hillsboro First United Methodist Church and had been a Sunday School teacher, member of the Administrative Board and other volunteer posts. Among his memberships were the Hillsboro B.P.O.E., where he had filled a number of offices including Exalted Ruler. He had belonged to the Farm Bureau, Eagles, Moose Lodge and Rotary Club, where he was designated a Paul Harris Fellow. His longest standing commitment, however, was to the Masonic Lodge and associated organizations, where he filled many posts over his 60-year membership and was presiding officer of each of the four bodies, Lodge, Chapter, Council and Commandery, and was a Knight of the York Cross of Honor.

He had been Law Director for the village of Lynchburg during the busy time it was installing its first-ever modern sewage disposal system. He served for several years as a board member of NCB Bank and was a trustee of the Highland County C.I.C., and for many years served on the board of the Hillsboro Cemetery Association.

Many commendations came from many sources: The Ohio Supreme Court for his efficiency and service as Judge; from the Ohio National Guard, where he served as State Commander and the Selective Service System. He was a 30-year veteran of the Ohio National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring with the rank of Colonel. During his time on the bench, he was widely quoted in the media. He enjoyed life and chose to spend his spare time as an avid reader, gardener and OSU Buckeyes fan.

On Oct. 14, 1961, he was united in marriage to Louise Jordan at the First Baptist Church in Hillsboro, and she survives. Four children were born to them; James Hapner of Columbus, Kathryn Hapner of Hillsboro, Sarah Hapner (Jon Blake) of Wilmington and William Hapner (Deanna) of Union, Ky. There are five grandchildren, Eric (Krystle) Hapner, Colin Brown, Spencer Brown, Jack Kuntz and Benjamin Blake. He is also survived by a brother, Jon C. (Suzanne) Hapner, and a sister, Mary Elizabeth (Jim) Dyar. Among his survivors are a number of nephews, nieces and other relatives.

He was predeceased by a brother, William R. Hapner, Jr., and a sister, Helen Ann Loukx.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28 at the Turner & Son Funeral Home in Hillsboro, with Masonic Services at 7:45 p.m. The funeral service, officiated by Jeff Lyle, will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29. Burial with military honors presented by the Highland County Honor Guard will follow in the Hillsboro Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the Highland County Historical Society, 151 East Main Street, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133, the Highland County Bar Association Scholarship Fund, c/o Highland County Law Library, 105 N. High St., Hillsboro, Ohio 45133, or the charity of the donor’s choice.

For more information or to access the online register, please visit www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc.