Ronald (Ron) Glen James 79, of Massillon, OH, formerly Newcomerstown, OH, passed away at Altercare Country Lawn in Navarre on Monday evening, September 16th after a hard-fought long battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Born July 11, 1945 in Ashland, Kentucky, Ron was the son of the late VK (Ken) and Gladys Irene James. Ron and his wife Kathy recently celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary on September 11th.
Ron graduated in 1963 from St Albans High School in St Albans, WV. Following graduation he entered West Virginia Institute of Technology (now West Virginia University) in Montgomery, WV on a full ride football scholarship there. In October of 1968 Ron entered the US Navy and served 4 years as a Petty Officer 3rd Class Aviation Structural Mechanic and was honorably discharged in July 1973. Following his discharge Ron returned to college and received his Bachelor of Science degree in December 1973. Ron received his Master of Science in Education degree in April,1991 from the University of Dayton.
Ron began his teaching career at Newcomerstown High School, Newcomerstown, Ohio in 1974 and retired from there after 35 years as a teacher, coach and athletic director during those years. Some of Rons most cherished memories are the years he was involved with Trojan sports, especially Newcomerstown football. During those years he was especially proud of the things his 5 children and grandchildren were involved in at Newcomerstown High School, Gahanna Lincoln High School and most recently Jackson High School in Massillon, OH.
Even as Ron’s health deteriorated over the last several years, he made it to as many activities as he possibly could. Ron and Kathy loved to take annual vacations up until Ron was no longer able. Some of their most favorite places were Disney World, anywhere in the Smokey Mountains, Myrtle Beach, SC and Panama City Beach, FL. During Ron’s coaching years he looked forward to the annual camping trips to Salt Fork State Park with the other coaches’ families and the laughs around the campfire eating great food and using flashlights with the kids on skunk and raccoon patrol and sleeping in hot tents! Ron loved most all sports and never gave up on the Cleveland Browns. He also loved the Cleveland (Indians) Guardians and was a true blueblood and one of the University of Kentucky’s biggest Big Blue Nation fans, especially UK men’s basketball.
Ron is survived by his wife Kathy and 5 children Brandi James Westfall (Kevin) Ramey, Jennifer (James) Hye, Robert (Nichole) James, Michael (Missy) McKibben and Molly McKibben (Melvin) Lahmers. He always referred to this blended family of kids lovingly as “yours, mine and ours”. Brother Don (Lorraine) James, sister Brenda Thomas Pauley, and niece Traci Thomas Wells. He has been blessed by 13 grandchildren, Josie Westfall, Lauren Westfall, Grant Westfall, Quentin Hye, Kevin James, Hannah James, Hayley James, Colton James, and Kelsey James, Sierra McKibben Ferrell, Zack McKibben, Autumn Lahmers and Ashley Lahmers, 2 step grandchildren Kensley Ramey and Kaden Ramey, 4 great grandchildren, Ava Ferrell, Collin Ferrell, Kippton McKibben and Marlee Majewski and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his niece, Tedra Thomas.
A graveside service for Ron will be held Monday, September 23, 2024, at 12:30 pm at West Lawn Cemetery with Rev Gary George officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service at Addy Funeral Home from 11 to 12. Military service will be conducted by Newcomerstown Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Ron’s name to Jackson High School boys’ and girls’ basketball, football, cheerleading, girls’ volleyball and track or Newcomerstown High School football.
Addy Funeral Home
406 West State Street
Newcomerstown, OH 43832
740-498-8111
www.addyfuneralhome.com
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