James J. Geller 1947-2026

Born Jan. 13, 1947, in Youngstown, James was the son of the late Arthur and Margaret Jean Geller.

James was a 1965 graduate of Boardman High School, where he excelled in basketball and was inducted into the Boardman Sports Hall of Fame after scoring over 1,000 points. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in industrial management from Youngstown State University.

A dedicated and hardworking professional, James spent many years as an electrician before proudly owning and operating Geller Electric for more than 30 years. He was a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 64 and the National Electrical Contractors Association.

James was an active board member of the YSU Foundation and a longtime member of the YSU Penguin Club. He established the James and Barbara Geller Scholarship fund for a student athlete with preference to degrees in STEM or business. He also helped establish a scholarship fund in partnership with the IBEW Local 64, supporting future electricians as they pursued their education and careers.

Above all, James cherished his family and took great pride in being a loving husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Kraynak Geller, whom he married Sept. 5, 1970; his daughters, Beth (Paul) Drennen of Canfield and Laura Geller (Bill Malowney); his granddaughter, Skylar Drennen; his sisters, Dianne (Gary) Andrews of Indiana and Barbara (Tim) Watson of Florida; his sister-in-law, Sherry Geller of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his brother, Rick Geller.

Calling hours will be held from 3 p.m. until time of service at 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at Davis-Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512.

The family requests memorial tributes in the form of donations to the YSU Foundation, 655 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44502, in Jim Geller’s name.

Online condolences may be shared at www.beckerobits.com.

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