John Tinsman Obituary

John J. Tinsman

John J. Tinsman, 87, of Fostoria, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family Saturday, April 19, 2025.

JT was born in Findlay February 26, 1938, to the late Harry A. and Edna M. (Burns) Tinsman. He married the former Sally Joan Edgington on June 4, 1966, in Forest, and she preceded him in death December 6, 2007. JT was also preceded in death by two grandsons, Stephen Lipscomb and Andy Baxter.

JT is survived by his children, Nancy Lipscomb of Bucyrus, Eric (Jane) Tinsman of Bellefontaine, Amy (Pat) Baxter of Fostoria, and Julie Tinsman of Fostoria; four grandchildren, Sarah Lipscomb, Stella Baxter, Adam Tinsman, and Nate Baxter; and two great-grandchildren, Jaxon and Reese Baxter.

JT was a 1956 graduate of Findlay High School, where he played varsity baseball for two years. He graduated in 1961 from Findlay College, lettered three years with the Oiler baseball team, and was a student trainer for four years. In 1967, JT graduated from Indiana University with a master's degree in health and safety. He taught social studies and coached junior high basketball and baseball at Lincolnview from 1961-1962. After moving to Fostoria in 1962, he taught junior high social studies, was a coach/athletic trainer for junior high football, and was a high school wrestling coach. From 1970 until 1994, JT was the athletic trainer and taught health, physical education, and driver education at Fostoria High School. He continued as an athletic trainer for another two years before retiring for good in 1996.

JT was a certified athletic trainer (NATA) and a state of Ohio licensed athletic trainer. He was a member of National Education Association, Ohio Education Association, past president of Fostoria Education Association, member of National Athletic Trainers Association, Great Lake Athletic Trainers Association, a charter member of Ohio Athletic Trainers Association, where he was also on the executive committee for several years. As an athletic trainer at Fostoria, JT covered many district, regional, and state meets and the Fostoria Athletic Boosters All-Star football and basketball games. He also conducted athletic training workshops for coaches, supervised student trainers, and spoke at several workshops. JT was inducted into Ohio Athletic Trainers Hall of Fame in 1992, Fostoria High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005, and Hancock County Sports Hall of Fame in 2008, and received a 25-year award from NATA and Fostoria City Schools 30-year award in 1992.

JT was also involved in the community outside of school. He was a former member of American Red Cross, a member and past chairperson of Fostoria United Way Budget and Allocation Committee for nearly 20 years, a member of Fostoria Relay for Life committee, and was an appraiser for the Hancock County Sheriff Office from 1994-2024. JT was also a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, where he was a trustee for several years, and a member of Fostoria / Findlay Elks and Fostoria Lions Club. As an Ohio Junior Golf Association Board Member, he loved playing golf and had two career aces at Loudon Meadows. He enjoyed being outside doing yard work and puttering around the house. JT could often be found at the grandkids' events - tennis, soccer, band, football, basketball, or baseball games - usually not too vocal, but almost always there. He also enjoyed following the University of Findlay football and basketball teams. Breakfasts at American Table in Fostoria and Findlay Tuesday Night dinner group were always on his schedule.

Family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Harrold-Floriana Funeral Home, 301 West Tiffin St., Fostoria. Rev. Duane Kemerley will officiate JT's funeral at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1200 Van Buren St., Fostoria. Burial will follow the service at Knollcrest Gardens, Arcadia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, 1200 Van Buren St., Fostoria, OH 44830; Fostoria Athletic Boosters, c/o Bob Frias, 511 Glenview Dr., Fostoria, OH 44830.

Online condolences may be expressed to the Tinsman family at hffh.net.