James J. Vargo 1935-2025

James was born April 4, 1935, in Campbell, the son of Gabor and Elizabeth Vargo.

James was a 1953 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School and attended both Youngstown State University and San Fernando Valley State College. James was fluent in Hungarian.

James was honorably discharged after serving in the United States Army from July 1958 to July 1960, with his last duty assignment to the 124th Signal Battalion at Fort Lewis, Washington, the signal unit of the 4th Infantry Division, part of the Strategic Army Corps (STRAC).

James worked at Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co., Campbell, as a stocker, and Consolidated Film Industries, Hollywood, California, where he headed procurement of raw (stock) film for both television and movies, ultimately returning home to be closer to family. Upon returning home, James worked for Westinghouse, U.S. Steel and the Mahoning County Clerk of Courts, from which he retired in 2003 after over 20 years of service.

James proudly served as the mayor of his beloved hometown of Campbell from 1984 through 1989. During that time, he helped lead the city out of fiscal receivership, appeared on NBC’s “Today” show and was part of the focus of national attention when then presidential candidate, the Reverend Jesse Jackson, stayed at the home of Mayor Vargo the night before the 1984 Ohio presidential primary, with them marching together to the shuttered steel mills to draw attention to the plight of the citizens of the Valley.

James was married to the love of his life, Kathryn C. Auguston Vargo, for 49 years until her passing in 2013.

James was an avid fan of classic movies and the Cleveland Indians, but most of all, he loved spending time with his son James.

James leaves his son and daughter-in-law, James G. Vargo and Terrilynn Vargo of Columbus; and his sister, Irene Vince of Youngstown; along with many nieces, nephews and friends, including his friends from childhood, Frank Heri and Jay Koutsourais, and his good friend Joann Leshnack, all of whom will cherish their memories of him.

James was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Kathryn; in-laws, Gazel “Casey” and Helena Auguston; sisters, Rose McCurdy, Goldie Vargo, Elizabeth Stanko, Margaret Massullo, Julie Vargo and Julia Centofante; and brothers, Stephen Vargo and Gabor Vargo.

The Vargo family has entrusted the care of their loved one to the Wasko Funeral Home in Campbell, where calling hours will be 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, July 18, 2025.

The Vargo family would like to give special thanks to the staff at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, Hampton Woods and Sanctuary Hospice for their kindness, care and compassion during the past month.

Please visit www.waskofamily.com to view this obituary and to leave condolences with the family.

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