2.4.4.1.7.3.5: James David "Jim" Pollock

[Last amended: January 23, 2004]

James Pollock was the fifth child of Ronald Howard Pollock and M Rosemary Jeffers. He was born on June 16, 1956 at Columbus, Ohio and died on January 17, 2004. He was known as Jim.

The Lancaster Eagle-Gazette
Tuesday January 20, 2004

Ag adviser dies in crash

By KRISTIN GORDON
The Eagle-Gazette Staff; kgordon@nncogannett.com

LANCASTER -- The executive director of Fairfield County's Farm Service Agency died Saturday after a car crash on icy roads south of Marion.

James D. Pollock, 47, of 239 E. Fifth Ave., and his family were traveling home to Lancaster around 9:45 p.m. after leaving a funeral service for his father, Ronald Pollock.

His 18-year-old son, Benjamin Pollock, a senior at Lancaster High School, was driving a 1997 Nissan Maxima when it slid on ice, went across the median into northbound traffic and hit two other vehicles, according to reports from the State Highway Patrol's Marion post.

Benjamin remains at Grant Medical Center, where he was listed in fair condition Monday.

His mother, Diana W. Pollock, 44, assistant dean for development at Ohio University-Lancaster, is in serious condition at Grant. She and her husband were both seated in the vehicle's right side at the time of the crash. Their daughter, Kristen Pollock, 10, a fourth-grader at Medill Elementary, was treated and released at Marion General Hospital.

The first vehicle hit in the crash was a 2003 Honda Civic driven by Tina M. Wright, 40, Carey. She was treated and released.

Then, a 1997 Volvo semi driven by James E. Arrowood, 41, Maryland, was hit. He was uninjured.

Seat belts were in use by all and alcohol is not a factor in the crash, according to reports. The crash remains under investigation.

Pollock grew up in Columbus but has lived in Fairfield County for more than 15 years, said his family. The death came as a shock.

"We're doing OK, just trying to cope with things right now," said his sister, Angie Pfirsch, Columbus. "We're just taking it one hour at a time."

The family also is on the edge of their seats, praying that Diana's condition improves. They expect Benjamin to be released from the hospital at any time.

Pollock was well-known among area farmers. He'd do anything he could to give someone a helping hand, said sister Sue Keys, California.

"He was always doing something for other people," she said.

Gardening was one of his fondest hobbies growing up, so his choice to study horticulture at Ohio State University was no surprise to his family.

"His grandpa was a farmer. He helped in (a friend's) garden from the time he was 13," said his mother, Rosemary Osborn. "He could tell you what any plant was -- just by looking at it -- and how to take care of it."

The family are great outdoors enthusiasts, and James and Diana spent summers involved with local parks, the Lancaster Festival and the Fairfield County Fair. James and Benjamin participated in bicycling tours and James coached his daughter's soccer team.

"(James) was very involved with his kids and their activities," said Pfirsch. "His family was absolutely important to him."

Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Jack Heinsohn officiating. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Halteman-Fett & Dyer Funeral Home, 436 N. Broad St.

A full obituary will appear in Wednesday's paper.

Originally published Tuesday, January 20, 2004

Obituary: Originally published Wednesday, January 21, 2004 in the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette

James Pollock

James David Pollock, 47, Lancaster, passed away Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, employed by the USDA Farm Service Agency as Fairfield County executive director, a volunteer coach with Lancaster Parks and Recreation Everyone Plays Soccer Program, a State Director of the NASCOE national employee organization, and an active participant in G.O.B.A., (Greater Ohio Bike Association).

He is survived by his wife, Diana (Wilhelm) Pollock; son, Ben Pollock; daughter, Kristen Pollock; mother and step-father; Rosemary (John F.) Osborn; step-mother, Quynh Pollock; sisters; Sue (Rich) Keys, Yuba City, CA; Angia (Matt) Pfirsch, Findlay; and Lynn Morrison, Columbus; stepbrother, John P. Osborn; stepsisters, Nancy Jacoby and Julie Betts; halfsister, Catherine Dao; aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald H. Pollock; and brother, Ted Pollock.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, 2004, at First Presbyterian Church, Lancaster, with the Rev. Jack Heinsohn Jr. officiating. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Halteman-Fett and Dyer Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family in care of The Ben and Kristen Pollock Education Fund.