James A. Rich, 1930-2024

Jim was born Dec. 9, 1930, in Youngstown, the son of James M. Rich and Julia Hennon.

Jim was a 1947 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School. Upon graduation, he moved to Cleveland and worked at Mills Restaurant and Telling-Belle Vernon Company. He then went on to be trained to become a machinist for 99 cents an hour at Warner and Swasey Company until they went on strike.

Jim was then drafted to the U.S. Army in 1951 and traveled to Fort Knox, Kentucky, for basic training. When on leave, he met the love of his life, Maria “Mary” “Babe” Domenica DiCioccio, with one thin dime and a phone call that forever changed his life. He served in Germany during the Korean War. Upon being honorably discharged, Jim married Mary in June 1953. He went on to become an Ohio State Patrolman from 1953 to 1961, until he became a game protector for the Mahoning Valley Sanitary District until his retirement in 1991. From that time on, he became the best Grandpa “Papa” that anyone could ask for.

He leaves behind five children, Deborah Lebio, Linda Rich, Janice (Archie) DiRusso, James A. Rich and Jeanne (Chris) Woltman; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Jim is now united with the love of his life, Mary, as well as brothers and sisters-in-law, who filled his life.

He will be missed every day.

There will be a Mass to celebrate his life at 11 a.m. Friday, June 7, 2024, at St. Jude Church in Columbiana. Following Mass, Jim’s dedicated service to our country will be further recognized with full military honors provided by the great men of VFW Post 9571 of Ellsworth.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman. Family and friends are encouraged to offer prayers for the family and support via phone call, text, email or may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com.

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