John K. ‘Tim’ Taft 1934-2024

John, affectionately known as Tim, was born Dec. 23, 1934, in Youngstown, the beloved son of the late John and Doris James Taft, and a lifelong resident of the area. A proud 1953 graduate of Austintown Fitch High School, Tim went on to attend Youngstown College before answering the call to serve his country.

Tim served his country with honor in the United States Army from 1955 to 1958, and again from 1968 to 1973 during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of major. His dedication and bravery earned him the Distinguished Service Cross and two Purple Hearts, a testament to his courage and service.

After his military service, Tim built a rewarding 37-year career at GF Office Furniture, where he worked as a department manager, retiring in 2000. In retirement, his love for the outdoors led him to Mill Creek Golf Course, where he took on the role of seasonal supervisor in course maintenance, a job that he truly cherished.

A devout member of St. Joseph Church in Austintown, Tim served faithfully as an usher. He was a man of many passions, enjoying golfing, hunting, fishing and traveling. His love of reading was well known and he was an active member of the Eastern Ohio Conservation Club. Tim was also a proud member of the Disabled American Veterans Organization, where he participated in the funeral honors assembly. In his youth, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, an accomplishment he held dear throughout his life.

Tim leaves behind his loving wife of 62 years, Virginia “Ginger” Chianese Taft, whom he married Aug. 18, 1962; his daughter, Shawn M. (Rich) Kutan of Canfield; his son, Timothy K. (Amy) Taft of Fredericksburg, Virginia; seven adoring grandchildren, Tim Taft, Alannah (Caleb) Smith, Eryanne (Amir) Namakforoosh, Danielle (David) Brooks, Carrie Taft, Ben Taft and Nathan Taft; three great-grandchildren, Merit, Tate and Milo; his sister, Barbara McDonald of Canfield; and many extended family members.

Tim was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Bob McDonald.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on through the love and dedication he shared with family, friends and his community.

Family and friends may gather to pay respects 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at St. Joseph Church, 4545 New Road, Austintown, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m.

Interment with military honors will follow in Green Haven Memorial Gardens in Canfield.

In lieu of flowers, Tim’s family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Joseph Church Memorial Fund.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kinnick Funeral Home in Youngstown.

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