J. Michael Stroth

It is with unbelievable sadness that the family of J. Michael Stroth informs you that a well-lived life came to an unexpected Earthly ending on Friday, March 27, 2026. He was 80 years old. Mike was born on October 5th, 1945, in Gallipolis, Ohio to Rexford R. and Stephanie “Stevie” (Funk) Stroth of Goldsboro, Ohio.

Mike and his beloved wife, Deanna (Shaffer Figlestahler) met in November 1987 when his engineering firm came to help with contractor negotiations for the city’s Community Development Office, where Deanna was Director, soon finding they shared many things in common. Discovering that love was born of friendship, they married in June 1994 in a lovely outdoor ceremony at the home of Deanna’s parents, Don and Patricia Shaffer. Deanna was often heard to extol her husband’s brilliant mind and many creative abilities, affirming, “I am honored to be his wife.” Mike is the brother of Diane (Bob) McClelland, of Westerville, Ohio and the proud father of Rex (Rachel) Stroth, Stephanie (Brad) Patton, and stepfather to Doug (Becky) Figlestahler, and Craig (Christine) Figlestahler. He is also survived by grandchildren Courtney (Justin) Henry, Brinley Patton, Collin, Alexa, and Connor Stroth, great granddaughter Lainey Henry, as well as nephew Michael (Emily) McClelland, niece Brittany (Clint) McQuade, and great niece and nephew Caitlin and Jack McQuade.

Mike Stroth was a force to be reckoned with, especially when it came to Jackson County and particularly its history, but he had an overwhelming desire to help in any way he felt he could by offering his talents to make the county, in which he grew up, better. He was the co-founder and first president of the Jackson Historical Society and has sat on the Board of that organization ever since. He has written two history books relating to Jackson’s early salt industry and two researched compendiums of the works of DW Williams and FE Bingman, as well as a children’s book, co-authored with his wife Deanna, for Buckeye Furnace Historic Site. His creative juices flowed when it came to designing, first as a draftsman at the McNally Pittsburgh manufacturing company in Wellston, and then as a partner in the Stroth-Benson Architectural/Engineering firm (SBA & Associates). He has made numerous drawings of historical nature, mappings, etc. for his books and for interpretive purposes for the Historical Society. It has just been announced that one of his many heartfelt projects, a recreation of a Salt Furnace, was funded and will be built on the Society’s Salt Lick Village site following the design he drew up years ago. It is a sad commentary that he did not live to see it completed, along with the long hoped for North Meadow Park which was his brainchild in 1989 and is still within the realm of reaching fruition. He was a driving force behind many, if not all, of the numerous historical markers in Jackson.

Mike was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and also claimed the title of an Honorable Kentucky Colonel. Mike joined the United State Marine Corp in 1966, and having the title of United States Marine was of enormous pride to him. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 81 and the American Battlefield Trust which works to save the hallowed grounds of America’s battlefields.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rexford and Stephanie Stroth, his son, Michael E. (Chappy) Stroth, and his brother-in-law, Bob McClelland.

Visitation will be at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home in Jackson on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 from 4:00–8:00 pm. The following day, Wednesday, April 8th, there will be a funeral Mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church at 10:00 am, with Father Herge officiating. A luncheon following in the Parish Hall. Burial will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com.