James Delmar Jones

Youngstown - James Delmar Jones, 84, of Youngstown, Ohio, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born November 14, 1939, in South Shore, Kentucky, Jim was the only child of James W. and Dessa Jones (nee Hamilton). He grew up in Portsmouth, Ohio, graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1957 where he was the starting center on the football team, and spent his summers as a lifeguard at the Dreamland Pool.

In 1958, Jim proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving his country until his honorable discharge in 1962. Upon his return to Portsmouth, he met and married the love of his life, Lorena (Lori) Newman of Otway. Together, they moved to Columbus and welcomed three children: Jim, Sundi, and Steven.  Jim earned his degree in business administration from Franklin University and worked in the stainless steel industry, eventually retiring as vice president and commercial director of a multinational stainless steel corporation.

In 1977, Jim’s career took the family to Spring, Texas, where he and Lori spent the remainder of their 47-year marriage until her passing in 2012. While in Spring, they helped form, and became active members of, Graceview Baptist Church, where Jim taught Sunday school and served as a deacon and Lori was the Director of Education. In their retirement, they enjoyed traveling the country to visit their children and grandchildren.

After Lori’s passing, Jim relocated to Sebring, Florida, and later to Greenville, South Carolina, before returning to his home state of Ohio earlier this year.

Jim’s memory will be cherished by his children, Jim (Elizabeth), Sundi, and Steven (Elizabeth); his grandchildren Mykel Jerry (Angela), Melody, James, Clayton, Dessa, Lyle, Walker, Pierce, and Tyree; his sister-in-law Sue, his brother-in-law John (Cindy), and a host of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Lori, his parents, his in-laws, his sister-in-law Kathy, his brothers-in-law Danny and Monty, and his son-in-law Jerry.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Jim’s family

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