DARKE COUNTY — State Representative Jim Buchy announced Wednesday he will be retiring from the Ohio House of Representatives effective January 2017 and, therefore, will not be seeking reelection on the November 2016 ballot.

“The trust placed in me by the fine families of western Ohio as their voice in Columbus is humbling,” Buchy said. “At this time it is important that I am able to enjoy retirement with my family and attend the activities of my eight grandchildren.”

Rep. Buchy returned to the Ohio House as an appointee in 2011, filling the unexpired term of Jim Zehringer, who was asked to serve in Governor John Kasich’s cabinet. In 2013, legislative colleagues voted him into House Leadership, and in 2015 he was elected by fellow legislators to serve as the Assistant Majority Leader.

As a member of the Ohio House, he has dealt heavily with issues important to his constituents, most notably improving agriculture in Ohio. The 84th District represents roughly 10 percent of all agriculture production in Ohio.

The current 84th House District encompasses Mercer County, as well as portions of Auglaize, Darke, and Shelby Counties. In addition, he previously represented Butler, Miami and Preble Counties. Buchy previously served in the Ohio House from 1983 to 2000, holding numerous leadership positions.

Buchy is the former president and chief executive officer of Buchy Food Service in Greenville. Following his first stint in the House, Buchy served as assistant director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture and then on the leadership council and as policy director at the National Federation of Independent Business, where he received numerous business awards.

He has also been honored many times for his support for agriculture from groups such as the Farm Bureau, 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA).

Upon completion of his current term, Buchy will have been in public service for 30 years, in addition to the work with his family business. He will remain in Greenville with his wife of more than 50 years, Sharon, where they will enjoy time with their two grown children and their spouses along with numerous grandchildren.

This undated photo provided by the Ohio House of Representatives shows Rep. Jim Buchy. he Ohio House is expected to consider a bill that would shield the names of companies that provide the state with lethal injection drugs. Buchy is one of the bills sponsors. The bill is among several the House planned to vote on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014 as lawmakers finish work for the two-year legislative session. The Senate passed it last week. (AP Photo/Ohio House of Representatives)

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/34/2015/09/web1_18f02dca703f7e31680f6a7067004435.jpgThis undated photo provided by the Ohio House of Representatives shows Rep. Jim Buchy. he Ohio House is expected to consider a bill that would shield the names of companies that provide the state with lethal injection drugs. Buchy is one of the bills sponsors. The bill is among several the House planned to vote on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014 as lawmakers finish work for the two-year legislative session. The Senate passed it last week. (AP Photo/Ohio House of Representatives)