James J. Lepore 1931-2024

Jim, the second son of four children, was born April 25, 1931, in Campbell, to Salvatore and Mary Lepore. He graduated from North High School in 1949. He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in art education from Youngstown College, a Master of Science in art education from the Illinois Institute of Technology (The New Bauhaus) in 1954 and an MFA from Arizona State University in 1971.

As an educator, he taught at Hillman Junior High School and South High School early in his career. After a storied and dedicated 40-year career at Youngstown State University, where he impacted the lives of thousands of students, Professor Lepore retired with the rank of professor emeritus. One of his proudest professional accomplishments was serving as a founding member of the first organized union of faculty professors in Ohio, the YSU-OEA.

Jim Lepore was a beloved artist, mentor and proponent for funding the arts at all levels of education. He was a critical member of the art department at a time often referred to as the “Golden Age of the Arts” at YSU, which included music, art, theatre and dance. He also lamented the demise of liberal arts education in the current iteration of Youngstown State University.

His advocacy of visceral artistic expression lives on in present-day national and local artists, and his own children and grandchildren. A highlight for him was watching his daughter, designer Nanette Lepore, address the YSU graduating class of 2012 as commencement speaker.

As a painter, his work can feel larger-than-life. Vivid and vigorous, Lepore’s lines buzz and his colors often sizzle. He was an abstract expressionist who drew inspiration from gestalt psychologist Rudolf Arnheim and Paul Cezanne, who he believed to be “the father of Modern Art.” He insisted that painting is performance — an act of seeing, not fabrication. He was playful — often using household materials like squeegees, car paint and newspapers; however, he was most electrified by moments of brilliance in everyday life and by funky, fantastic people. He saw artists everywhere as part of a global conspiracy — a wonderful plot to uncover the truth about life. His work explodes with joy and curiosity. He taught us how to see.

His words, furthermore, apply as much to life as they do to painting: “Work with abandon. When you’re painting and you put something down, it’s not right or wrong, it’s just there. React to it.”

He is survived by his brother, Raymond Lepore; and four children from his late former wife, Jeanne Louise McGarry, James Lepore (Lisa Lierheimer) and their son, Angelo Lepore; Michele Lepore-Hagan (Robert Hagan) and their children, Jimmy Lepore Hagan (fiancee Hanna Lurye) and Natalia Lepore Hagan; Nanette Lepore (Robert Savage) and their daughter, Violet Savage and Michael Jeffrey Lepore (Risa Nakanishi); and his longtime partner, Marian Jacob.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Henry and Myron; and a grandson-in-law, Sean Sweeney.

There are no calling hours. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at The Butler Institute of American Art 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024.

The Butler held a special place in Jim’s heart. For those wishing to do so, material tributes in his name may be sent to The Butler Institute of American Art, 524 Wick Ave. Youngstown, OH 44502. https://butlerart.com/donate/

Thoughts and condolences may be sent to the funeral home website, www.mccauleyfuneral.com.

Arrangements by The McCauley Funeral Home privileged to serve the Valley for more than 122 years.

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