James F. Jaszyn 1951-2021

Jim was born Aug. 26, 1951, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to the late Frank and Mary Poltawiecw Jaszyn, where they had settled a week before Jim’s birth, after coming to the United States following World War II, with government-sponsored jobs. They moved to Ohio in 1952 and settled in Struthers.

Jim went to elementary school at Holy Trinity, St. Nick’s and Center Street schools and graduated from Struthers High School in 1969, where he was active in the HI-Y Interact Club and Intramural Baseball Organizaiton.

After graduation in 1969, Jim began his studies at Youngstown State University prior to being drafted into the Army in 1971. Jim proudly served his country as an MP stationed in Ansbache, Germany, from September 1971 until April 1973, then for eight months in Gaepengen, Germany, prior to his honorable discharge in April 1974.

Jim returned home and began work at Youngstown Sheet and Tube, where he was a coupling inspector until the mill closed. He also returned to YSU in 1974, completing his bachelor’s degree in computer technology.

Jim became a member of Carpenters Local 171 in 1986, working with various companies until his retirement in 2009. He worked at Home Depot in Boardman from 2013 to 2017, until his multiple myeloma forced him to stop working indefinitely.

Jim married the former Karen Kish, on Aug. 17, 1974; sadly, Karen succumbed to cancer Aug. 14, 1995. He married Mary E. “Evie” Krusely Byers on March 14, 2009, and stayed by her side for the rest of his life.

Jim was proud of his Polish heritage, and as a teenager, was a member of the Polish Dance Group. He fondly recalled performing at Terminal Tower in Cleveland in 1966.

Jim was a member of Mahoning / Trumbull Union Counselors Association and was instrumental in organizing teams to build wheelchair ramps as referred by the United Way. He also volunteered at the annual United Way Bass Classic since its beginning.

Jim was a member of Argus Lodge 545, a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite member, and a prophet of Aut Mori Grotto. He was also a member of Lowellville Rod and Gun Club and the Mahoning Sportsmen’s Association. He enjoyed photography as a hobby, as well as woodworking. His attention to detail was impeccable.

Jim loved with his whole heart, unconditionally. He had a knack for storytelling, especially when it came to religion and history. Jim was a wealth of unlimited information and trivia.

Jim leaves behind his wife, Evie, whom he fondly called “His Mary.” He also leaves his daughter, Dana Risi; and grandchildren, Joseph, Nicholas, Aidan and Preston.

Calling hours for Jim will be 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, at Szabo and Sons Funeral Home, with a Masonic service at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, at Holy Apostles Parish, St. Stephen of Hungary Church.

Well done good and faithful servant. You can rest now.

(special notice)