James Foster Eckels, age 64, of Greenwich died Tuesday, morning, May 6, at Willard Health Care after a short battle with cancer. He was born May 22, 1943 in Shelby, Ohio, son of the late Harrison Eckels and Roseline (Rhinebolt) Eckels Kuelling. James worked as a mechanic and machinist at Midwest Industries, Willard, Lake Park Industries, Greenwich and Roth Manufacturing, New London. He had attended the Greenwich First Baptist Church. He had an enthusiasm for and collected many Hot Rods throughout his life. He is survived by his wife, Betty Lou (Shepherd) Eckels, whom he married May 23, 1991; his children, Danette Marie (Mike) Detterman of Lexington, Ohio, Sean (Debbie) Ousley of Shelby, James H. (Jennifer) Eckels, of Cincinnati, Brian (Lauren) Eckels of San Diego, Ca., Misty (Justin) Finley of Jeromesville, Oh., Mandy Eckels of Ashland, James F. Jr., (Andrea) Eckels of Ashland, Corey (Crystal) Eckels of Mansfield; Stepchildren, Michael (Marlene) Pittenger of Mansfield, Carl ( Tresa) Pittenger of Attica, Eugene Pittenger of Texas, Roger (Rachael) Pittenger of North Fairfield, Fred Gibson of Greenwich, Deborah (Andrew) Lacy of Greenwich; 30 Grandchildren, 1 great grandchild; 1 brother, John Eckels of Mansfield; 6 sisters, Helen Pokryfke of Troy, Mi., Ruth Holmes of West Salem, Mary Margot of Mansfield, Barbara Bringman of Fredericktown, Thelma Burns of Fredericktown, Vicki Edmister of Buckeye Lake. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Gene Eckels, his brother, Junior Harrison Eckels, his half brother, Roy Willis Burns, his grandson, Devin Finley. Friends may call from 2 ' 4 and 6 ' 9 p.m. Thursday, May 8, at the Greenwich First Baptist Church, 96 Townsend St., there will be a 7:00 p.m. service. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 9 at the church with Pastor Gary Adkins officiating. Burial will follow at Edwards Grove Cemetery, Greenwich.