Richard "Dick" James

Richard James, Jr.

Age 99 of Magnolia died peacefully Sunday morning, August 13, 2017, in his home.  He was born  the eldest of four children on Jan. 4, 1918 to the late Richard James, Sr. and Nettie (Abegglen) James.  Richard "Dick" James graduated from Magnolia High School in 1935 and from Mount Union College in 1939 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry. He was a proud member of Sigma Nu Fraternity.  In 1940 he married his college sweetheart, Marjorie Stroup James.  This December 28th they would have celebrated their 77th anniversary.  Richard was known as an outstanding businessman and community leader.  In 1949 he and his brother Kermit took over the operation of James Bros. Coal Co. from their father, Richard James, Sr.  For more than 40 years the brothers ran the mine with the help of their sons, Richard L. and Kermit Jr.  In 1989 Richard was named “Coalman of The Year” by the Ohio Reclamation Association and officially congratulated by the Ohio General Assembly for his achievement. He dedicated many years of service to the greater Stark County community.  For 37 years he served on the Board of Directors of Copeland Oaks and Crandall Medical Center.  He also served as a member and President of the Stark County Board of Education from 1962-1977.  In 1981 the Sandy Valley Chamber of Commerce presented Richard with the “Achievement Honor Award” and in 1993 he and his brother were chosen “Citizens of The Year” and led the Canal Days parade in Magnolia.  In 1997 Richard and Marjorie received the Alumni Service Award from Mount Union College for outstanding achievement in a professional field and dedicated service to their college and community.  Richard was an avid sailor and was one of the first Commodores and a founding member of the Atwood Yacht Club.  He was a member of Magnolia United Methodist Church, 72 year member of Caldwell Lodge #330, F. & A.M., the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Canton, Al Koran Shrine, the Ohio Coal Association, and a member of the International Order of the Blue Gavel.  He loved travel, history, science, politics and golf.  He inspired us all with his love of learning and would often quip, “You don’t want to think, you want to know."  Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Kermit James, and sisters, Barbara Holler and Suzanne Stroup.  Richard is survived by his wife, Marjorie Stroup James; two daughters, Carol (Patrick) Visci, of Chagrin Falls, OH, and Joanne (Stephen) McElroy, of Lexington, VA; one son, Richard L. James, of Magnolia; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, Andrew (Kerry) Visci, and their daughter, Solin, Christen Visci (Aaron Rogers), and their children, Nola, Silas, and Simon, Spencer McElroy, Anna McElroy, James McElroy, Shelly (Scott) Everett, and their children, Casey and Olivia, Tracy James (Jim Gordillo), and their children, Peter, Jake, and Dale, Richard “Rick” (Kristin) James, and their children, Maddy, Charley, Beck, and Lucy.  Services will be held Sat. at 11 a.m. in Magnolia United Methodist Church with Pastor Carl H. Orphanides officiating.  Interment will be in Magnolia Cemetery.  Friends may call Friday 5-8 p.m. at the Finefrock-Gordon Funeral Home in Magnolia and Sat. 10-11 a.m. at the church before the service.  Masonic Services will be held at 4:45 p.m. Friday in the funeral home.  Richard “Dick” James will be remembered by family, friends and community for his outgoing personality, his unflagging sense of humor, his inquisitive mind, wise and steady leadership, and his generous spirit that will be with us always.  The family would like to thank Tina Pariano for her loving care and devotion. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard's memory may be made to the Magnolia Volunteer Fire Department.  Condolences may be sent to: gordonfuneralhomes.com

Gordon (330) 866-9425

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