James E. Kimmel 1941-2025

The original “Jimmy” Kimmel was born March 10, 1941, in Canfield, to Edgar M. and Mabel Cotterman Kimmel.

The youngest of his siblings, his loving sisters Joanne (William Speece), Barbara (Lee Simmers) and Sandra (Phil Wertz) adored him and remained a constant and defining presence throughout their lives.

James was raised in Canfield on Fairview Avenue, where some of his fondest memories include attending the Canfield Fair in its earlier days — an event he eagerly looked forward to each year.

He graduated from Canfield High School as a member of the Class of 1959, where he served as the Student Council president and a member of the Cardinals football team. He later graduated from Ohio University in Athens having earned a Bachelors of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1964.

In 1975, he met Karen Carney of Boardman — an elementary schoolteacher for Boardman local schools. They would marry in 1976, and she remained his faithful and devoted wife for the rest of his days. They moved to Boardman, where Jim would reside for the rest of his life and where his two sons, Brent and Chad, would be born and raised.

He spent the entirety of his professional career — spanning over 40 years — working for the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company of Akron. There, as a chemical engineer, he developed a critical cooling process that Goodyear used to produce tires for which he was later presented the company’s highest award for innovation. Later in his career, he was recruited by Goodyear to apply his interest in the quickly growing areas of computer software and data analysis. He was an early adopter of computer and PC technology — a passion he shared with his sons who both work in computer software design and engineering.

He was a loving and kind husband and father whose guidance, encouragement, (sometimes incorrigible) sense of humor and predilection for adventure, shaped the lives of both his immediate and extended families.

He relished travel — visiting 48 of the 50 U.S. states. He also loved the outdoors and was an avid cyclist — biking on many adventures, from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Chesapeake coastline. He was a moving landmark in his neighborhood of Huntington Woods — immediately recognized as “the guy on his bike who talks to everyone” and sometimes referred to affectionately as “The Mayor.”

He was preceded in passing by his parents and sisters to whom he remained a loving son and devoted brother for all his days.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Carney Kimmel of Boardman; his son, Brent (Michelle) Kimmel; his grandsons, Harris and Charles of Reston, Virginia; his son, Dr. Chad Kimmel of Beavercreek; his brothers- and sister-in-law, George, Dennis and Patricia Carney of Boardman; and his many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Friends and family may call from 10 until 11:45 a.m. Friday, Sept. 12, at Lane Funeral Home, Canfield Chapel, followed by the funeral service at noon.

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