James "Jim" Alonzo Applegate, 95, of McDermott, Ohio, passed on to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, September 10, 2026. He was born March 5, 1931, in Portsmouth, Ohio, to the late Charles and Julia Applegate.

Jim served in the U.S, Marine Corps during the Korean conflict. He served his country in sea and air rescue and as an aircraft mechanic. He enjoyed a career with the Detroit Steel Corporation in numerous capacities at the New Boston plant, from which he retired at age 49.

Throughout his life, Jim was known for his strong work ethic. He owned and operated an automobile service station and later became a longtime landlord, building and managing an extensive portfolio of rental properties.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Louella (Whitaker) Applegate; a sister, Anna Mac Bruch; and three brothers, Richard, William, and Charles Applegate.

Jim is survived by his two daughters, Kimberly Anne Applegate Hoyme (Jim), Karen Elaine Applegate McGinnis (Brent); his son, James Alonzo Applegate, Jr. (Teresita "Tejie"); his brothers, Henry, Gary, Howard, and Ralph Applegate; seven grandchildren, Travis, Brandon, Mark, Courtney, Crystal, Amber and Hannah; and nineteen great-grandchildren.

Jim enjoyed a great love of God's creation, a great love of people, and a great love of family.  His generosity and love for others was on full display for his children and others throughout his life as he readily gave of his time and financial ability, to help better someone else's life.

His laughter, good-natured jokes, wisdom thoughts and beautiful spirit lifted up and promoted kindness, courage, and joy in the lives of his grandchildren.

Jim was a man of faith and, before becoming sick, attended Seventh Street Christian Baptist Church. Jim took advantage of the gifts and abilities that God gave him to be a good man, a wonderful friend to family and even to a first time acquaintance. But Jim knew that his goodness and his good works did not buy him right standing with God. And when Jim surrendered his life to God and accepted that Jesus had taken all his sins to the cross, then mercy covered him, God's grace set him free, and a sweet, wonderful peace and joy that he had never known before swept over his soul.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth, Ohio, with Pastor Joe Bruch officiating and interment in Scloto Burial Park. Friends may call at the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday prior to the funeral service.

Condolences may be sent to www.rogerwdavisfuneralhome.com.