James L. Moody Sr. 1936-2025

He was born Nov. 16, 1936, in Youngstown, a son of Paul and Mildred James Moody.

James was a 1954 graduate of Austintown Fitch High School and devoted his working life to the steel industry. He was most recently employed with the Pittsburgh Canfield Corporation, where he worked faithfully for 27 years before retiring in 1998.

On Sept. 7, 1954, James married the former Carol E. Vath, beginning a loving marriage that spanned 71 years. Together they built a life centered on faith, family and service. Carol survives him. James was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather whose quiet strength, integrity and love left a lasting imprint on all who knew him.

James was a longtime member of Tabernacle Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Austintown and also worshiped at Pleasant Valley Church for 20 years. His faith was not only professed but lived out daily. He served faithfully as a deacon, was a leader of a care group and participated in several mission trips, always willing to serve wherever God called him.

He was deeply committed to his community, especially its youth. James generously gave his time as a Little League and Pony League baseball coach, mentoring countless young players. In 1976, he proudly led the Austintown All-Star team to the state championships, an achievement that reflected both his leadership and dedication to others.

James and Carol shared a love of travel and adventure, journeying throughout the country together. Some of their most treasured moments were spent camping with their grandchildren, creating memories filled with laughter, stories and love that will be cherished forever.

In quieter moments, James enjoyed reading, had a deep love for history and devoted many hours to researching his family ancestry, taking great joy in sharing those discoveries with his family and preserving their heritage.

Besides his wife, James is survived by his children, Richard Moody (Mary Lee Costello), James (Cindy) Moody and Craig Moody; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; his sister, Rhea (Walter) Terlecky and their daughter, Terri; and his daughter-in-law, Lisa Moody.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by his youngest son, Bradley Moody.

Memorial services will be at noon Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at Tabernacle Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 2432 S. Raccoon Road, Austintown, OH 44515.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the church.

Arrangements for Mr. Moody are being provided by Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel, 5797 Mahoning Ave., Austintown.

(special notice)