James Marino

James. W. Marino

December 4, 1928 – February 3, 2021

James W. Marino, 92, passed away peacefully on February 3 from a short illness.
Born in Akron, Jim was predeceased by his parents, James and Filomena Marino, and his siblings Amedeo, Mary, Michael and Joseph.  Jim was also predeceased by his beautiful and cherished wife, Marie.  They enjoyed a loving marriage of 57 years until Marie’s passing in 2014. Deeply mourning the loss of her beloved father is Jim’s daughter, Gigi, and son-in-law Christopher Kostoff.   Greatly missing their Papa are his dear grandchildren, Jonathan (Emily), Nathaniel, and Matthew.

Jim known throughout his life as Gig was a proud graduate of East High School and went on to serve in the United States Army during the Korean War from December 4, 1950 – June 4, 1952.  Drafted on his 22nd birthday, Jim went to Ft. Breckenridge, Kentucky for his basic training and then to Korea where he served as a sergeant in the 167th Infantry Division.  Upon returning from his military service he attended the University of Akron, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial Management.  Jim was employed by the Boeing Aircraft Company in Seattle, Washington until returning to Akron to start his own business, City Wide Aluminum.

A friend to everyone, Jim was a member of many organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8975; Holy Name Society; and a lifelong member of Annunciation (Visitation of Mary) Catholic Church where he served faithfully as an usher. One of Jim’s favorite activities included being a member of the Jack Horner’s Breakfast Club, which later moved to Burger King.

He loved people, and Jim’s lively and energetic personality drew people to him like a magnet.  Throughout his long and happy life, he enjoyed gardening; storytelling; family trips to the beach; walks at Goodyear Metropolitan Park with Marie and his neighbors, and wherever there was a hiking path with his daughter Gigi and his grandsons. He enjoyed spending time with his much-loved grandsons.  Jim loved attending all his grandsons’ sporting events and could be found cheering them and their friends from the bleachers. He could fix anything and was always ready to help anyone in need, even before they asked.  Jim embodied joy and kindness, and his sparkling and lively presence in all our lives will be greatly missed.

The family will celebrate Jim’s life at a later date, to be announced.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim's memory may be made to Annunciation Visitation of Mary Church. Please visit www.hummelcares.com to share memories or condolences.