The City of Worthington is extremely saddened with the passing of our friend, colleague, and neighbor, Jim Lorimer.
He was the ultimate public servant, dedicating 52 years of his life to the City of Worthington, serving as a City Council member, Mayor and Vice Mayor, before retiring from public service in 2019.
Our hearts go out to his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all his family and friends. Jim had an incredible impact on our community and leaves a lasting legacy.
His contributions to the Worthington community are immeasurable. He impacted countless people, especially the hundreds of young people he has recognized and encouraged so eloquently during City Council meetings over the years for their achievements in sports, academics and other pursuits.
In addition to his public service with the City of Worthington, Jim Lorimer is also well known for his advocacy and passion for health, wellness and sports. He was an early Title IX advocate for equal rights in women’s sports, and founder of the National Champion Ohio Track Club Girls Team. He also served as Secretary and Chair of the U.S. Olympic Committee for Women’s Track and Field and is co-founder of the Arnold Sports Festival with his friend Arnold Schwarzenegger, which has grown to be the largest multi-sport event in the world with over 80 sports and events in central Ohio and competitions on five continents around the world.
The James J. Lorimer Fitness Floor at the Worthington Community Center is named in his honor, to express the appreciation of the City of Worthington for his contributions to the Worthington community and lifelong commitment to good health and physical and mental wellbeing.
We are grateful for the tremendous support, knowledge and dedication Jim Lorimer has shown to the people of Worthington.
With these words, he inspires us to work hard and live our best lives:
“You get back from every aspect of life in direct proportion to what you put into it.” – James J. Lorimer
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In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions to be made to The City of Worthington honoring and remembering the exceptional life of James J. Lorimer. Designated donations will go towards continuing Jim’s legacy of community service and impacting the future of our youth through physical fitness, sports, parks & recreational enrichment activities. Memorial contributions should be made to The City of Worthington, referencing James J. Lorimer. Mail or drop off check donations to 6550 N. High Street, c/o Finance Department Worthington, Ohio 43085 or by visiting www.worthington.org/lorimerdonations A Visitation will be held on Monday December 5th, 2022, from 4PM until 7PM at the Schoedinger Worthington Funeral Home, 6699 North High St., Worthington OH, 43085. A visitation will also be held on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, from 11AM until 1PM, at Worthington United Methodist Church, 600 North High St., Worthington OH, 43085. A Funeral Service will follow at 1PM. Interment will follow at Walnut Grove Cemetery. |