Trending
YOUNGSTOWN - Mr. James Fortune Sr., 88, of Youngstown, transitioned from his earthly labor to heavenly peace on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, with his loving family at his side.
James "Jim" Fortune Sr., a devoted public servant, proud veteran, hardworking family man and beloved member of the Youngstown community, leaves behind a legacy of service, leadership, and love that will not soon be forgotten.
For 25 years, Jim dedicated himself to serving the people of Youngstown as the Sixth Ward councilman and president of City Council. His years of public service reflected his deep commitment to his community and his desire to make a difference in the lives of others. He was more than a familiar name in local government; he was a man who believed in the importance of showing up, speaking up, and finding ways to make the world around him better. His impact on Youngstown and the people he served will remain an enduring part of his legacy.
Before and alongside his years of public service, Jim was a hardworking man who understood the value of dedication and perseverance. He spent many years working in Youngstown's steel mills, contributing to the proud working-class tradition that helped shape the city and its people.
He also served his country in the United States Army with the 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper, answering the call to serve with courage and commitment.
Beyond his work and public accomplishments, Jim had a deep love for sports and the community that surrounded them. He coached football, sharing his love of the game and helping shape the lives of those who played under his guidance.
Whether through his service in the military, his years in the steel mills, his leadership in city government or his time on the football field, Jim found ways to contribute, encourage others, and leave things better than he found them. Those who knew Jim will also remember the man behind the many titles. He loved to talk, share stories and spend time watching Westerns. He had a way of making a conversation an occasion of its own, and his presence brought together people from different walks of life. He was a man with a strong voice, a generous spirit and a genuine interest in the world around him. His life was a testament to the belief that making a difference does not always require grand gestures; sometimes, it begins with a conversation, a helping hand or the willingness to stand up for what you believe is right.
Above all, Jim was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. His family was an important part of his life, and the love he shared with them will continue through the generations who carry his name, his stories and his legacy forward.
Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beverly Ann Mitchell Fortune; his son, Kelly Fortune; his mother, Ida Hunt; his brother, George Fortune; and his sisters, Elinore Hubbard and Erma Ogburn.
He leaves to cherish his memory his son, James "Jaime" Ellis Fortune Jr.; his granddaughters, Taylor Fortune Payne and husband; Jordan Fortune Henry and husband; his great grandchildren, Addison Payne, Aubrey Payne, Amauria Payne and Aidyn Payne; his sister, Laura Fortune Charity; and a host of nieces, nephews, adopted grandchildren, extended family members, friends and community members whose lives he touched throughout the years.
Though his presence will be deeply missed, the legacy Jim leaves behind will continue to live on in the city he served, the people he mentored, the family he loved and the countless lives made better by his time on this earth.
His was a life of service, strength, conversation, and purpose. May he rest in eternal peace, reunited with his beloved Beverly, and may those who remain find comfort in knowing that a life so deeply lived will never be forgotten.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, at Price Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, 909 Dryden Ave., Youngstown. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11 a.m.
Ministry of Comfort entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home.
(special notice)