David R. James

David R. James 1928-2006

James
NEWTON FALLS - David R. (Bob) James, age 78, of Newton Falls, died peacefully in his residence with his family by his side at 12:05 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2006, after a long battle with lung cancer.

Bob was born on May 8, 1928, in Newton Falls, the son of David R. James Sr. and Goldie Alena Bissett James.

He graduated from Stanton Military Academy in Virginia. Upon graduation, he attended and graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, where he received his funeral director/embalmer's license. He then returned to James Funeral Home in Newton Falls to begin his lifelong dedication to the friends and the families in the community. He officially retired in 1984 but continued participating with the family business until spring of this year. He also assisted families with the purchase of monuments as a representative for Warren Marble and Granite. For 10 years, he was also a financial adviser for IDS.

On June 5, 1948, Bob married Lois I. Eckford, childhood friend and the love of his life. They shared 54 years of wedded bliss before she passed away on Oct. 15, 2002.

Bob was a member of the First Christian Church in Newton Falls. He was a member of the Newton Falls Masonic Lodge 462, the Scottish Rite of Youngstown, Al Koran Shriners in Cleveland, Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 79, Nipissing Hunt Club, Ontario Hunt Camp Association, both in Ontario, Canada, Wednesday golf league at Riverview Golf Course and a past member of the Newton Falls Rotary Club.

Bob's passions in life were first and foremost his family, friends and his dog, Patty Pug. He enjoyed golfing, hunting in Canada, fishing, and while growing up on the farm he spent many hours working, raising and training the horses. During his retirement, he and Lois lived in Rock Creek for 10 years, enjoying neighbors and family visits.

Bob is survived by one daughter, Vikki and Mike Choleva of Cortland; four sons, Dick and Nancy James, Tom and Denise James, Dan and Larava James and Ron and Shari James, all of Newton Falls; 14 grandchildren, David James of Newton Falls, Janet and Matt Bate of Braceville, Mike and Samantha Choleva of Streetsboro, Jonathan and Marie Choleva of Cortland, Ryan and Kellie James of Newton Falls, Jeremy and Lindsay James of Sierra Vista, Ariz., Matthew and Cassandra James of Columbus, Brandy James and Jason Sawman, Melanie James and Robert Garrett, and Danny James Jr., all of Newton Falls, Erica James of Hubbard, and Christopher, Alyssa and Cameron James, all of Newton Falls; eight great-grandchildren, Dalton Bate of Braceville, Jasmine Choleva of Cortland, Paris James of Sierra Vista, Ariz., Landen James of Newton Falls, Taylor Lumley of Columbus, and Quentin and Asher Sawman and Robert Garrett Jr., all of Newton Falls.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Lois; a sister, Olive Rigby; and two great-grandchildren, Haylen Andrew and Dakota Ryan James.

Funeral services will be held at the First Church of God in Newton Falls at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27, 2006. Friends may call at the James Funeral Home from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2006, with Masonic services at 1:30 p.m. Burial will be in Newton Falls Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Forum Health At Home Hospice, 8747 Squires Lane N.E., Warren, Ohio 44484. The family would like to thank Rebecca and other Hospice nurses and Gayle for the loving care they gave our father and grandpa. We couldn't have made it through without all of your help and support.

Arrangements are being handled by James Funeral Home, 8 E. Broad St., Newton Falls, Ohio 44444. 330-872-5440.

(special notice)