James Szmania

James E. Szmania, (80), of Euclid, Ohio, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2023.

James was born to Edmund and Bernice (Baclawski) Szmania, on October 26, 1942, in Midland, Texas. He graduated from Elyria Catholic High School, University of Dayton, and served as 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army where he was awarded a national defense service medal before spending more than 40 years as a sales engineer and consultant. 

James was a friend to everyone he met and was fondly known as Jim to most and Sam and Jimbo to many. Jim was the ultimate storyteller and life of the party, and enjoyed music, photography, cooking, welding, puttering in his workshop, watching old westerns, and road trips near and far. He was a coach and #1 fan of his children and grandchildren’s wide range of endeavors. Always wanting to do his part, he supported many charitable causes and was consistently first in line to buy a raffle ticket for church, school, and youth activity fundraisers. He also gave the gift of life as a organ donor. Jim could fix anything, and always had a plan for the worse-case scenario. Most of all, Jim cared deeply about his family, and his 10 grandchildren were his absolute pride and joy. 

Jim is survived by his wife and college sweetheart, Roberta, and their three children, Mike, Scott, and Susie and her husband, Tilly. survived by his 10 loving grandchildren: Matt, Rob, Trent, Jack, Charlotte, Olivia, Ava, Adam, Joe, and Leah, and by his sister, Mary, and brother Mike and wife Pat. Jim was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Ed. 

Jim’s family will host a celebration of his life this summer. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Ss. Robert & William Parish or a charitable organization of your choice in Jim’s name.

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