John C. Balmer, age 87 of Beavercreek, formerly of Xenia and Jamestown , died 4/4/2023 at home . He was born in Xenia, Ohio, the son of Joseph E., Sr. and Cora (Luft) Balmer. He was a graduate of Xenia Central High School. The Ohio State University, and Miami University with a M.Ed. degree. He had additional work at the University of Dayton and Antioch University. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Alice Jean Daich, Helen Janice Havasy, brother Joseph E., Jr., of Dayton, and son Charles Edwin of Xenia.

He is survived by his wife Karen, daughter Holly (Gary) Fetherolf of Carroll, Ohio, stepsons Ryan (Stephanie) French of Northridge, California, Bradley (Heather) French of Dayton, Ohio, sister-in-law Patricia Balmer of Dayton, grandsons Wyatt Fetherolf, Chase French, Elliott French, Clay French and granddaughter Elaina French, three nieces and four nephews. He loved his family and valued his many friendships over the years. He and his wife made many vacation trips over the years.

While in high school, he sang in the choir, played in the concert and marching bands, and a jazz combo. He was business manager for the school yearbook his senior year. He was also a member of the National Honor Society.

He was an educator, serving as a classroom teacher, Executive Teacher, and as an elementary principal in the Xenia Community School System at four different schools (McKinley, Cox, Arrowood, Shawnee). In addition, he was the high school golf coach for eight years. After his retirement from education he worked for First Frontier, Inc (Blue Jacket outdoor drama) as Director of Corporate Sales: sold advertising for WBZI/WDJK radio locally as Account Executive, and for Cox Radio in Dayton. John was Executive Director for the Xenia Community Schools Educational Endowment Fund for 8 years also directing and organizing the Hall of Honor and later he was Scholarship Director for the Greene County Community Foundation.

A longtime member of the Kiwanis Club of Xenia, he was a past president, secretary, and was an Ohio Kiwanis District Lt. Governor, and was recognized by his club with the George F. Hixson Fellowship in 1997. His club bulletin received outstanding recognition three times by the Ohio Kiwanis District. He and his wife attended several Kiwanis International conventions including a trip to Hawaii.

As a well-known active volunteer during his lifetime, he served on the boards of the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce, the Greene County Combined Health District, the YMCA Metropolitan Board, the Xenia Area Human Relations Council, the Greene County Senior Citizens Board, and the First Frontier, Inc. Board, and Greene County Retired Teachers Association. He served as president of the Western Ohio Education Association, the Greene County Historical Society, the Fraternal Order of Police Associates, the Greene County Guidance Center, the Greene County 169 Board (MRDD), the Greene County Unit of the American Cancer Society, and the Greene County Ohio State Alumni Association.

In 1982 he organized and chaired a Spring Camporee on handicap-awareness for the Tecumseh Council of Boy Scouts. He was recognized in 1976 by the Association of Special Education Administrators as the Administrator of the Year. He had also received awards from the American Cancer Society, Central State University and the Fraternal Order of Police. He was elected to serve on the Greene County Republican Central Committee, and he was county chairman for campaigns for William Saxbe for U.S. Senator. In 1999, he was recognized for his lifelong community service with the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce F.M. Torrence Award, and in 2012 was inducted into the Xenia Community Schools Foundation Hall of Honor.

In 2003 he served as National President of the Order of Symposiarchs, an organization of college fraternity men and in 2005 was named Symposiarch of the Year. He served as a trustee of the National Aviation Heritage Area board representing the Greene County Historical Society.

He was a Life Member of The Ohio State University Association and had season football tickets since graduation in 1958 and attended several bowl games. He was an active member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He sang in the OSU Men's Glee Club and was a member of the Ohio State Men's Glee Club Alumni Association. He was an Honorary Kentucky Colonel. He enjoyed traveling, playing golf, reading, playing bridge, doing crossword puzzles, and spending time with family.

He was a member of Greene Country Club, the Dayton Art Institute, Glen Helen, and enjoyed attending Dayton Opera and Symphony. A 70-year member of former Westminster Presbyterian Church, now Xenia United Presbyterian Church. He sang in the choir and served as an elder.

He was a member of the ROTC at OSU and upon his graduation was commissioned in the U.S. Army. He held the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army Reserves at his discharge.

Friends may call at Xenia United Presbyterian Church, 343 West Ankeney Mill Rd., Xenia, OH at 10:00 a.m. on May 4 and a Celebration of Life service will follow at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Greene County Ohio State Alumni Scholarship Fund #602740, donations in care of John Feltz, 1770 Swindon Ct., Fairborn OH 45324.  A private graveside service will be at the convenience of the family. Condolences can be made to the family at www.NeeldFuneralHome.com .